Forgiveness
by adustyframe ~ December 9th, 2007I try to not be on the computer on Sundays. However, this morning I heard a story that I want to share here.
As I was getting ready today, I turned on the radio. Ravi Zacharias was speaking. I enjoy listening to his challenging sermons and hearing his Biblical knowledge.
During today’s broadcast (which I linked to above), he shared this story and said, “No matter what you think of Jim Baker, you need to hear this story from his book.”
He said, Jim Baker’s job in prison was to clean the latrines. One day, as he was cleaning, his jumpsuit filthy from the splashes of his dirty job, the guard came to him.
He told Jim there was a visitor to see him.
Jim said, “I don’t want to see anybody. Tell them to go away.”
The guard said, “You will want to see this person.”
So Jim agreed to go. He didn’t even change and the guard said, “Are you going like that?”
Jim said, “This is my life now. Who cares?”
He walked to the visiting room and as he entered he saw Dr. Billy Graham and his wife Ruth. Dr. Graham walked to him and wrapped Jim in his arms as Jim cried and cried.
He said, “Here was this man that had lived such a pure life embracing someone like me who had done so much wrong.”
He was forgiven.
Ravi went on to say, “But how much greater than Billy Graham, is that Jesus has done the exact same thing for you.”
I cried as I listened to this story. Probably because of the prison aspect, but also because it’s an excellent picture of what Jesus has done for me.
He wraps his arms around me, even when my outside is splattered with sin and failings. My very great God comes to me just where I am and forgives.
It was probably not pleasant for Billy Graham and his wife to visit Jim Baker in prison. I know I don’t count the prison visiting room as my favorite place to be. It’s not pretty, or fun.
Neither are we in our sin.
We’re probably not a very pleasant place to “be”. But Jesus never hesitates. He loves us and forgives us exactly where we are. Even if “where we are” is not pleasant.
December 9th, 2007 at 12:09 pm
What a beautiful illustration. We appreciate Ravi Zacharias, too, and we used to listen to him on the radio every Sunday morning during our hour drive to church, but we changed service times and don’t get to hear him anymore. Thanks for the reminder that I can listen online. Hope your weekend is delightful, dear Lizzie.
Thank you, Patricia. I always learn so much when I listen to him.
December 9th, 2007 at 2:11 pm
Wow, thank you SO much for sharing that, Lizzie. I missed church this morning because I’m sick and that’s all the church I needed!
Wasn’t it such a great illustration?
December 9th, 2007 at 8:57 pm
I am glad you shared that with all of us. Just THANK YOU for this blog. It is a great testimony. Our prayers are with Lee, James and you Lizzie. He (GOD) is using you.