Dave’s Story
“He deserves what he got!” is the common sentiment when people hear of his sin. It is true that his eyes were too greedy. In one day, he lost his job, his family and his freedom.
When I first heard that Dave had been arrested, I could barely wrap my head around it. I felt the man I know could not be the one who had been arrested. Life had separated us by distance and years and that made me wonder about the man behind the sin.
A Faithful Provider
In the 30 years I have known Dave, this is what I have learned about him.
Dave is a man full of love and kindness. His friendship has been dear. He is self-disciplined, hard-working and a valuable employee and co-worker. All who know Dave like and treasure him. He is a man of true worth.
Dave has been a faithful provider for his wife and two children. When his wife suffered a stroke and was unable to work any longer, Dave worked harder to take care of their family.
On the days we drove to work together, we shared our like-faith in Jesus Christ and often listened to worship music. I have known Dave to be a good man.
Caught in the Very Act
As we reconnected via letters during his time in prison, I discovered the same person I knew before. Only this time I found a man who had fallen on Christ and was broken. He was broken by the same thing that breaks any life. Sin.
I was reminded of the story of the harlot, who was caught in her own sin. Brought before Jesus, the rulers who condemned this woman waited to hear what Jesus would say should be done with her. It was clear in their minds that these circumstances called for her to be stoned to death.
Jesus stooped to the ground, drawing in the sand, waiting for this woman’s accusers to calm down. Finally standing up, Jesus said, “He who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.”
They were stunned into silence. It was the older ones who began to leave first. Maybe it was because those of us who are older, have had more time to dwell on our own, past mistakes. No one knows the pain of regret we carry more than our own heart.
Before long, all of the accusers were gone. Jesus looked at the woman and said, “Woman, where are they? Did no one condemn you?”
Her reply? “No one, Lord.”
And Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you; go your way. From now on sin no more.” Story from John 8:3-11 NASB
Both the harlot and Dave were caught in the very act of sin. If God did not condemn the harlot, then neither does he condemn Dave.
The Bible is filled with stories of God’s forgiveness, healing and restoration. What makes us so quick to condemn? When people look at our faults or sins, they usually miss the beauty of the life behind the mistakes. But not God.
An Unexpected Chapter
When Dave got out of prison, he found an unexpected chapter of his life being written.
With his prison record, it was impossible for Dave to find work. Without work he could not provide for even his most basic needs. He had been provided a place to stay briefly after leaving prison. From there he began staying in motels which were very costly for someone without an income.
Dave stayed in motels for about 2 months when his money ran out. He was already prepared in his heart to live on the streets when a friend was moved to give Dave some money. That gift of money gave Dave two more nights at the motel. The next day, Dave’s Parole Officer called and told him that he had to leave the county immediately. He could not stay in the same county that his crime had been committed.
Dave’s Parole Officer rushed the paperwork that allowed him to move to another county. Because of this change, Dave was able to move in with his mother and avoided living on the streets. The process took two days. It was the exact time he had left at the motel before his money ran out.
In all of his recent circumstances, Dave has been forced to cling to Jesus Christ. It is a place he has found the most comfort, love and acceptance. And God has not disappointed him. Each week God has provided food and a place to stay.
It was the news that he had cancer that brought the greatest surprise.
Undiagnosed rectal and colon cancer which the doctors said he has probably had for years, spread throughout his body. Now his condition is terminal.
Some may feel this is a judgment against him for his sins and that he is getting what he deserves. If that is the case, then we all deserve this merciless cancer.
God’s word says, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23 NASB. It is clear none of us is as good as God.
But let us rejoice in the knowledge that God is love. His Word says it and that should give us comfort.
The Bible says, “The Lord’s lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Thy faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23. NASB
What Jesus Christ thinks about forgiveness is clear in His dialogue with Peter. Peter asked Jesus, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” Jesus responded by saying, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.”
What is the lesson of Dave’s story? Everyone makes mistakes and poor choices but God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and trespasses.
What He Deserves
Dave’s body is dying, but his relationship with Jesus Christ is not. He has put complete trust in Jesus Christ. Knowing that death is imminent has a way of burning away the chaff of this mortal life. Dave is now so close to Jesus Christ, it humbles him to tears when he approaches Him in prayer. When God releases Dave from his physical body, then he will get what he deserves. Eternity in heaven with Jesus Christ.
Dave’s journey is a story that will inspire others that they too can have a second chance. Not only can they have a second chance at life, but more importantly, a second chance with God and a place in Heaven with Him. You see, in the end, all of this fuss that we call life, is simply about finding Jesus Christ and securing our place with Him in Heaven where we will finally be able to live without the influence of sin, pain, struggle and tears.
God wants you to know that you will not be judged by what overcomes you. He simply wants you to believe in His son Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ came to earth 2000 years ago to speak to His creation and to offer up a perfect life to pay the price for sin that kept His creation separated from Him. It is a price that none of us could pay.
Dave’s story does not end here. As an eternal being, Dave will live far beyond what this mortal life has to offer.
Are you so burdened with sin that you feel God can never forgive you? Forget what lies behind. Reach toward what lies ahead.
Jesus Christ can help if you ask Him.