Welcome to Paradise!

Friday 1-23-15 (Home)   

Scripture reading:    Exod 6-8        Luke 23

S.  Luke 23:39-43  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 are dying? We deserve to die for our evil deeds, 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."  NLT

O.  These two men had probably lived a life of crime.  It seems likely that they had worked together in their evil deeds.  That third cross, the one in the middle, may have been destined originally for another condemned criminal named Barabbas.  The three would have died like hundreds of other criminals and we would have never heard of them.  I wonder if Barabbas was standing at a distance staring at the cross where he has supposed to be hanging. 

The religious leaders who had condemned Jesus were having a party at the foot of the crosses.  “Hey, Jesus, You were in the business of “saving” people… if You are really the Son of God like You have been telling us, let’s see You leap off that cross and save Yourself.”  And all went into a fit of coarse laughter.  Now one of the dying criminals gets into the act and joins the chorus of soldiers and religious people mocking the silent Jesus on the cross. 

But this was too much for the other dying criminal.  Finally a single voice rings out among the noise… a single voice that defends Jesus.  And it is the voice of a dying criminal.  In a single sentence he admits his guilt and proclaims Jesus’ innocence.  But there is more.  Who, among this crowd, even among Jesus’ most faithful followers who were watching from a distance, who of them would allude to Jesus as a real King with a genuine kingdom at this moment?  This dying man believed that Jesus, Who was also dying still had a coming kingdom.  He believed in a life after death and he recognized Jesus as the King.  And Jesus promised him that in a few hours they would be together again.  “Welcome to Paradise!” 

A.  Have I visited the foot of the cross of Jesus recently?  Have I heard the mocking of the crowds of unbelievers?  Have I been surrounded by insults thrown at Christianity? And have I dared to speak up for Jesus?  The dying criminal had nothing to lose and everything to gain.  He was pinned to a cross, but he took a flying leap into faith in Christ the Son of the Living God.

P.  Dear Jesus, You are the giver of hope and assurance.  Your words let me know that there is life after this one comes to an end.  And to an evil criminal who confesses his sin and his faith in You in his dying moment, You can promise a paradise.  Certainly his life did not merit paradise.  Your word lets us know that none of our good deeds can make us worthy of spending an eternity with You.  Lord, just like that unworthy criminal, I place my hope and trust only in Your sacrifice for me… and I am confident that You will remember me, when You come into Your kingdom.

Ralph