On Tuesday night, Arizona executed a man who was convicted of murdering a Phoenix man during a 1989 robbery. He was 50 years old and by all accounts lived a very troubled life, including multiple encounters with law enforcement. His last words were:
"Well, I'd like to say thank you to my family for being here and all my friends, and Boomer Sooner."
The story of his execution has been maybe the most popular thing on the internet over the past 24+ hours, largely due to his choice of words. I can't really fathom myself being in a position to be executed like that, but if I were I think there would be a lot more going on in my mind than a school fight song. He did at least accomplish one thing...his last words are famous.
Contrast that with another convict's last words. I think these are a little more appropriate:
We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong." Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." Jesus answered him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise." -- Luke 23:41-43 NIV
This man who spoke with Jesus right before dying may not have lived a life very dissimilar from Boomer Sooner Boy. Whatever the circumstances that led him to crucifixion, his mind was clearly on what was about to happen to him. For whatever reason, he knew who it was that was hanging on the cross next to him and his one simple request was to be forgiven and saved by Jesus.
This is a cool story for several reasons, but especially because it shows me that it's truly never too late for any of us to earnestly seek Jesus and find grace and because it also reminds me that there is no sin too small to be insignificant and no sin too large for forgiveness to be ours.
Praise Jesus that He would take the beating we all should have to take and make it possible for us to live forgiven and gain eternity!
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