Luke 23:39-43
39One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!”
40But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? 41We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.”
42Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
43Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
Just like that, forgiven. He defended Jesus and asked to be remembered. We don't know anything about this thief, but we do know there were two that day. One hurling insults, mocking Jesus, the other saying, "No. This is is the son of God." Both faced with the same circumstances. Both seeing the same things. Both hearing the same words. Two different conclusions. One, refusing to believe. The other, believing.
This small moment in three lives intersecting and shows us so much. It shows the heart matters. It shows that God's forgiveness extends until our final moments. It shows that God is continually reaching out to us, where we are, in those final moments before death. God loves us. LOVES us. He loves us so much that He will pursue us until the end.
If you are on the cross of your past, you are free. He paid the price and has His hand outstretched to help you down. Free. Alive. One day to be with Him in paradise.
If you have already accepted his Lordship, and you feel you are still on the cross of your past, know that it is a lie. That past no longer exists. It was wiped clean by the precious blood of the Lamb. Don't be like Lot's wife turning back, keep your eyes fixed on the mark of your higher calling.
Free. Loved. Forgiven. If you don't think you are worthy, remember the thief.
Freely yours,
Miss M.
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