It is Never Too Late
Last week, we were asked to visit a very old couple who expressed an interest to be baptized. We needed to determine if they were capable because of their advanced ages. When we arrived, we were warmly greeted by five family members who cared for them, but we could feel the nervous tension and the anticipation in the room. Even though only two are members of the church, they all desired baptism for the couple because they could see the happy change in them as they were taught and brought to church.
The old couple only spoke Quechua, which is an indigenous language that originated in the Andes, so the family needed to translate for us. The ninety-year-old wife was unable to speak and could barely sit in a wheelchair, but her eyes were alert and she seemed to follow our conversations. The ninety-five-year-old husband barely moved about with a cane and seemed to be suffering from dementia. They loved our company, but it was apparent that it would be quite a feat to baptize them, due to their age-related limitations.
As we talked and interacted, I was reminded of the story in the bible of Jairus when he desperately sought the Lord’s help to save his dying daughter. Tragically, she died as they waited for the Savior to arrive at their home (Luke 8:41-56). It seemed like all was lost due to bad timing, but it was quickly shown that Christ’s power and mercy had no limits when he raised her from the dead. Christ has power over life and death, and he is mighty to save in this life and in the next. That is why we have the temple where ordinances can be performed for the living and as proxy for the dead. Just as Christ paid for our sins, we can do ordinances in the temple for others who did not have the opportunity. It is a beautiful and merciful arrangement for those times when it may seem too late.
We taught the couple and the family this beautiful saving doctrine and assured them that like Jairus it didn’t matter if the ordinance is done in life or after death because with Christ’s saving power and through his ordinances of the temple, there is no difference. The very next day, the ninety-year-old wife slipped into a coma and went to the hospital. No matter what the outcome, the family can be assured that all will be well because Christ is mighty to save.
Scriptures:
Luke 8:41-56 https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/nt/luke/8?lang=eng
Mosiah 4:9 https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/mosiah/4?lang=eng
9 Believe in God; believe that he is, and that he created all things, both in heaven and in earth; believe that he has all wisdom, and all power, both in heaven and in earth; believe that man doth not comprehend all the things which the Lord can comprehend.
