The Centurion is Past Due

I wonder about the centurion who came to the realization that the one he had just helped crucify was indeed God’s offspring.  The light came on for him just after Jesus’ light went out. 

And take note that he spoke his realization out loud.  In front of his peers.

He may have been one who brutally persecuted Jesus in his last hours.  He may have taken part in the cruel taunting.  We just do not know.

But we do know one thing … he had a realization that many around him did not share.  He saw Christ for who he was.

Just a couple of minutes too late.

Realizations , understandings and comprehensions of things eternal do not always keep tidy schedules. 

I have no doubt that this centurion was forever changed fundamentally by his awakening. 

That obnoxious person who sits next to you at work may be just one day away from a life-altering view of Jesus.  You just do not know.

That relative of yours who always shoves your talk of the kingdom back in your face might be only twenty minutes away from a jaw-dropping conversion experience.  You just do not know.

That neighbor of yours who is the personification of agnosticism and quite articulate about it may be on the verge of recognizing Christ in an overwhelming way.  You just don’t know.

Never give up on the taunters, the skeptics, the raucous persecutors. You do not know God’s plan for them.

Is there a centurion in your life who is way past due in accepting Jesus?

Be patient … God never misses the train.