Jim was in jail. He was 28 years old. Already he was becoming alcoholic like his father before him, whose life had ended in suicide. Jim had a wife and family at home waiting for his release, but he was now unsure that he could trust her to wait because of his own insecure home life.
Memories of a mother who had no time for her family because of her lust for other men and his father who, although a brilliant surgeon, could never remain sober were implanted too deeply within him. Not only had his father committed suicide, but his older brother had hung himself in his own bedroom at the age of 16. Now Jim seemed set in a downward course having been convicted of robbery while drunk.
We ask, "What hope can there be for Jim now?" It would take many years of counselling and much love to make any inroads on this case, and the memory of the tragedies will be always with him. We remember the words of Jesus about our responsibility to those in jail, and how we are to visit and comfort them (Matt. 25:35-46).
There is only one way for Jim's life to be turned around. "I am the WAY" said Jesus in John 14:6. Only Jesus can take a broken life and restore it. Only Jesus can remove the pain of bad memories and heal broken hearts. Only by saying, "Jesus, I can't do it alone, please take over my life, I am sorry for my sins" can we make it. If we say these word, sincerely seeking a Saviour, we find One. He performs a miracle in us, a life-saving miracle. It is so simple that many people can't believe it can happen, but the millions of born-again Christians around the world are proof of the power of Jesus to save.
Not only did Jesus say, "I am the way", but He said, "I am the way and the TRUTH." Other religions may have high moral teachings, but "Jesus came to destroy the devil's work" (I John 3:8 NIV). Only the truth of the teachings of Christ can set men free and keep them from being led astray by the apostate religions springing up everywhere, many of which even quote the Bible. Only Jesus' blood can save a sinner.
Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the LIFE!" The life force which broke open the tomb on Easter morning, "the imperishable seed" (I Peter 1:23 NIV), could be planted inside Jim if he, in sincerity, would ask. The seed of conversion sown by God's Spirit in a heart with good soil can become the tree of life (Gen.2:9 & Rev.2:7), the resurrection power which can throw off the grave clothes of the past and let us live forever.
There IS an answer for all the Jims in the world, but also for anyone who hasn't had an experience like Jim, but who wants peace and joy in a world of uncertainties.
© 1999, Doreen Palmer
