Death Bed

I grew up hearing, "This is death bed! You cannot tell anyone!"  I knew that meant that this was information for our family only.  Another is "Death Bed Salvation."  Have you heard of it?  Well, it is similar to the story of the confessing criminal on Jesus' side at the cross (Luke 23:39-43).  He was dying, received Christ, and Jesus promised him that he that very day would be with Jesus in paradise.  Some doubt the sincerity of death bed confessions.  I experienced this for the first time last week.  A man confessed Christ at death's door on Thursday and died on Saturday!  I say Praise the Lord!  The question comes though.  Did he really mean it?  Was he sincere?  Here is what God taught me.  We ask that somewhat out of jealousy, like the workers in the field when Jesus explained their being payed the same amount for diferent hours worked.  We sinfully think "that is not fair."  Here is the deal.  This man did not bear the burden of truth.  He did not bear the burden of daily proving his faith by obedience and seeking to avoid the coming onslaught of hypocrisy.  God took that off of him.  The only thing I know of him is faith.  That is liberating.  Here is a liberator too--you and I have the next breath, maybe even the next day.  What a joy!  What a privilege to bear tomorrow the responsibility of that burden--avoiding rebellion and hypocrisy and seeking obedience and authenticity.  Here is greater joy, Jesus carries that cross for us too!  Be still!  Stop striving! Know that I am God!