Yesterday, I was reading from the book of Luke when Jesus was about to take his last breath on what we call “Good Friday.”
He was not alone as there was a criminal on each side of him and they all three were dying slow and excruciatingly painful deaths through crucifixion.
The two criminals were representative of the profile of most of us sinners:
One had no remorse for his messed up life and expected Jesus to get him out of his predicament and I’m guessing if Jesus didn’t perform a miracle in that moment the criminal was not going to believe. He was a “seeing is believing” type of sinner.
The other who was taking responsibility for his misgivings, humbly asked for Jesus to remember him in the afterlife. He wasn’t certain if he was worthy of saving but he thought he’d give it a try. He was a “believing is seeing” type of sinner.
One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:39-43 NIV)
Spoiler alert…I am not perfect…just give Lori a call…please don’t. 🙂
I don’t know about you, but throughout my life, I’ve had the personality of both of those criminals. One is a skeptic with a victim mentality who won’t believe unless God performs some type of miracle. The other simply believes he is a screw-up and not worthy of God’s grace.
Bottom line…both are worthy of God’s grace but we must be accepting of it to receive it.
Believing is seeing!
As I’ve written many times throughout this crazy pandemic–those of us who are followers of Christ need to see this horrible situation as an opportunity for a revival of sorts.
Please turn your attention back to the opening quote. What are you doing to shine a light of hope and inspiration to the people around you? What “criminals” in your life need a better understanding of God and His amazing grace?
One thing to keep in mind–if and when you are witnessing to others…
Preach the gospel–but only use words if necessary.
John 16:33, “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.â€
Journal your thoughts:
What am I grateful for today?
In what way(s) will I bring light to the world today?
What will I deny myself so I may draw closer to God and gain more peace in my life today?
Prayer:
God, I offer myself to Thee—To build with me and to do with me as Thou wilt. Relieve me of the bondage of self, that I may better do Thy will. Take away my difficulties that victory over them may bear witness to those I would help of Thy Power, Thy Love, and Thy Way of life. May I do Thy will always! Amen. (Third Step Prayer – Chapter 5, pg.63, The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous)
P.E.A.C.E.
Jay@EagleLaunch.com
