And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:43)
Talk about being in the right place at the right time, as ironic as that sounds. The two theives crucified on the cross with Jesus had a final opportunity of salvation.
Initially, both criminals being crucified on either side of Jesus had joined in the mockery of Him. But one came to his senses and said to the other: “Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong” (Luke 23:40–41).
Then he said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom” (Luke 23:42).
And Jesus replied, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise” (Luke 23:43).
Isn’t it amazing how you can tell someone something over and over, and they just don’t hear it. . . Then one day, it finaly sinks in. Sometimes we have to see it for ourselves, don’t we? That is what happened to the criminal on the cross. The truth of who Jesus was eventually dawned on him. Pilate had even added a sign that was nailed above Jesus’ head. It read, “This is the King of the Jews” (Luke 23:38).
So here was this man being crucified with Jesus. He was taking it all in, watching it all. He heard the words of our Lord, and those words reverberated through his hardened heart. Then he believed right on the spot.
Two men saw and heard the same thing, and one believed and one did not. Both saw the flawless and perfect example of Christ. Both were dying and needed forgiveness. Yet one died just as he had lived: hardened and indifferent.
“Be ready, Jesus is coming back soon.”
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, deliver us from slothfulness, keep us quickened to deliver Your message of salvation to everyone who will listen, until that day we die or You return again. We thank you for Your love and presence, Lord protect us in this time so that we may continue share Your gosple until the very end. We praise You for the day when Jesus returns. Amen.
Ask Jesus into your life.
Jesus, I recognize that I have not lived my life for You up until now. I have been living for myself and that is wrong. I need You in my life; I want You in my life. I acknowledge the completed work of Your Son Jesus Christ in giving His life for me on the cross at Calvary, and I long to receive the forgiveness you have made freely available to me through this sacrifice. Come into my life now, Lord. Take up residence in my heart and be my king, my Lord, and my Savior. From this day forward, I will no longer be controlled by sin, or the desire to please myself, but I will follow You all the days of my life. Those days are in Your hands. I ask this in Jesus’ precious name Amen.
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Rob Lavallee
Scriptural Seeds Ministries