Four years ago, my wife and I moved into a new subdivision.  Before we moved in, we were actually praying that God would provide us with non-Christian neighbors to love.  Needless to say, God provided.

As we’ve grown in relationship with our neighbors these last few years, one thing has become apparent.  Many of our new friends are hostile to the Gospel.  Not only do they reject Christ as their personal Lord and Savior, but they do it vehemently.  To give you an example: a few months ago I was having a conversation with a father on our street.  He was sharing with me how he was struggling to raise his son.  As I asked him questions, it became apparent that much of his struggle was rooted in his own anger towards his father.  Apparently, his dad had been very physically and verbally abusive, so he found himself struggling with these same traits.  After he shared with me, I assured him that he could discover a new way to raise his son through seeing God’s picture for fatherhood in the Bible.  As soon as the word “God” came from my lips, he interjected and said, “I like hanging out with you Jason… but don’t talk about God with me.”

This experience on our street has become common.  My neighbors will talk, but as soon as Jesus comes up, the conversation is over.  Many of you who are seeking to love your neighbors like my wife and I can deeply relate to this.  Sometimes I wake up and wonder if there’s any hope.  In fact, I’ve found myself doing this quite often lately.  It’s like I’ve begun to assess the “save-ability” of people.  What do I mean? As I’ve gotten close to non-believers on our street and seen their lostness, their anger, their hatred, and their hostility to God, I’ve begun to discern for myself if they are able to be saved.  Maybe you’ve done this too? You have a close friend or a loved one who you’ve reached out to for years, and it seems like the closer you get, the more you realize that it’ll be a MIRACLE if they ever get saved.

The reality is, salvation is a miracle.  I was reminded of this last week as I was studying the death of Jesus.  After the sky goes dark and the earth shakes, Jesus commits his spirit to God and breaths his last breath.  As this happens, we’re told of a Roman Centurion who is standing at the foot of the cross.  This man would have been a career soldier who oversaw the execution of many criminals.  In fact, it’s very possible that he lead the execution of Jesus from the point of his flogging to the nails being driven into his hands and feet.  His heart would have been hard… his appearance would have been rough… his language would have been foul… he would have been a lot like my neighbor. But as Jesus breaths his last breath, this man worships God by crying out, “Surely this man was the son of God!” (Matthew 27:45)

As I’ve reflected on this story, I’ve been reminded of this overwhelming truth.  If God can save the man who killed Jesus, then who can’t God save?

God forgive us of our doubt! Remind us today that you are mighty to save…