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!” But the other criminal protested, “Don’t you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die? We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn’t done anything wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.” And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:39-43 NLT)
Three crosses stand alone against the sky. The middle cross bears the innocent son of God while those on either side hold common criminals condemned by their own evildoing. We listen as one condemned criminal taunts Jesus with his dying breath, but the other speaks in Jesus’ defense. Then this repentant crucified crook simply asks that the Lord will remember him. Not much of a sinner's prayer really. Barely a gasp of hope. But it is enough for Jesus. "Sure. You can come with me today to Paradise." What a promise - to a desperate criminal who only had a few hours of life left in him. This man has no time to pay Jesus back or to live a life of noble service as restitution for his crimes. But still his desperate cry was good enough for Jesus. Amazing!
PRAY:
So we thank you Lord that you offer eternal life to all who ask humbly in faith no matter how far gone we are. Heaven is for broken repentant people like us. So we pray Lord Jesus forgive us all and in your great mercy take us to be with you in Paradise. Remember each of us. In the name of the name that is above all other names we pray. AMEN
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