When Your Past Catches Up With You

Little Johnny was a terrible little lad. When he was younger, Johnny would pull on the pigtail of the girl in front of him in class, he was the first to jump the ques at any event, took his grandpa’s car for a joy ride, was a burr under the saddle of countless folk and many thought he would be found either dead or in jail before he was eighteen. As time rolled along, not much changed but the incidents grew more frequent and of increasing magnitude. Eventually, Johnny did end up in jail and found out there were worse sorts inside. After the third trip to the infirmary, he decided to go see the Preacher-man for some advice and a bit of relief from the beatings. Johnny thought that if he got in good with the Holy man, maybe he could get some chores that would keep him away from the gang that tormented him.

Johnny found the Preacher-man and did the whole “I need to know Jesus” thing so that he could get some special privileges but what happened next he did not expect. Pastor Jerry took him under his wing and started to work with him and take an interest in his well-being. This total investment and interest from the Pastor opened up Johnny’s eyes to the fact that there were people out there that were more than just a mark, they were honestly good people who wanted to make a difference in other’s lives. Johnny soon realized that there was a path that was more fulfilling than his past direction of life and he made every effort to walk in the path of the light. By the time his parole hearing came up, Johnny was a changed man and it was the Preacher-man who testified to his change and offered to give Johnny an opportunity once he was released.

Pastor Johnny now serves in a local congregation and is a walking statement of forgiveness. His testimony starts with “Read Luke 7:36-50 – I was once awash in sin and evil desires but Jesus has taken my past and removed it and I have been forgiven more than I deserve – I have been forgiven so much and have so much to share with my testimony of joy and forgiveness that I will speak of my Saviour until He greets me in Glory”. Johnny’s life is so focused on the future that his past will never catch up with him, thanks be to God.

Sunday service streams on Facebook Live at https://www.facebook.com/todd.macdonald.3158 and starts at 10:30 am MST. We invite you to interact with us as we live stream and join us as we celebrate.

Shalom
Pastor Todd