Scripture: Romans 10:9
“For if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved” NLT
You may have heard the time management expression, “If it wasn’t for the last minute nothing would ever get done!” Some embrace this philosophy as a way of life.
We have all heard from time to time of famous people who have gone through a death bed Christian conversion in the last few days, hours and minutes of life. It is said that Peter Jennings from ABC News fame had such an experience before succumbing to lung cancer. Stories about John Wayne seem to circulate now and again.
Nearly 400 years ago the death of William Shakespeare seems to have echoed of a similar death bed conversion. William led a documented life that would seem in no way to qualify him for a mansion in heaven.
Yet, throughout Shakespeare’s life we can see the Gospel sprinkled in —- starting with his early baptism. His books and writings constantly make reference to the Bible and Book of Common Prayer. He has referenced no less than 42 books of the Bible in his writings. William quoted from Matthew at least 150 times and from the Book of Psalms a minimum of 130 times.
Shortly before his 52nd birthday he took the time to write an inscription for his own tombstone —- It reads:
“Good friend, for Jesus’ sake forbear
To dig the dust enclosed here.
Blessed be the man that spares these stones,
And cursed be he that moves my bones.”
Clearly there are some who would make the case that before he died the famous playwright William Shakespeare had given his life to Christ. As would some for Jennings, Wayne and others. Only Christ knows for sure —- To be, or not to be: that is the question:
If you have lived a life sprinkled with the Gospel but have not given your life to Christ don’t wait for the last minute —- now would be an excellent time! Follow after me: Jesus, thank you for dying for my sins – come into my heart and be Lord of my life. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen!
Christian Cyber Ministries
P.O. Box 406
Cambridge MN 55008, USA