And
Jesus Replied,
“I
Assure You,
Today
You Will Be With Me In Paradise.”
Scripture
Luke
23
39 One of
the criminals hanging beside him scoffed, “So you’re the Messiah,
are you? Prove it by saving yourself—and us, too, while you’re at
it!”
Observation
The
story of the crucifixion of Christ is not easy for me to read, but
the horrific story is filled with God's love and forgiveness. As you
know, two thieves were crucified on each side of Jesus.
Both
of them at first, made fun of Jesus and ridiculed Him (Matthew 27:44),
but in Luke's account, we discover that one of the thieves finally
realized that Jesus was who He claimed to be and cried out to Jesus
asking for Jesus to save him. The thief cried out, “Jesus,
remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus' response to
this repentant thief, “I assure you, today you will be with me in
paradise.”
This
story gives me hope. Hope, that some special people in my life who
are presently living their lives like God doesn't exist, will one day
finally place their faith and trust in Jesus and cry out to Jesus,
asking Jesus to save them.
I
know that there is no guarantee that they will repent. The other
thief never repented. The thief went to his death scorning the
Savior. Salvation was so close to both of the thieves, one received
forgiveness and one did not.
Application
I
will keep praying for loved ones who presently refuse to acknowledge
Jesus as their Lord and Savior.
How
about you? Which thief, crucified next to Jesus, best represents you?
Prayer
Heavenly
Father, this thief did nothing to earn salvation. Yet, one day I will
see him in Paradise. I have also done nothing to earn salvation, but
I know that one day I will be with You in Paradise. I don't deserve
it. I am a sinner. But, I am forgiven. You took the punishment for my
sins on the cross. Thank You, Jesus, for dying in my place and paying
the punishment for my sins.
I
pray for my loved ones who still need to be saved. They still need to
repent and acknowledge that Jesus is their Lord and Savior. I pray
for their salvation. Open up their heart, Lord. Open up their
spiritual eyes like You did for the thief on the cross. I don't want
them to die without a relationship with Jesus.
Daily
Bible Reading: Nehemiah 3,4; Luke 23
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