Message from Scripture: 5/18/2021

 

Our message from Scripture today is Luke 23:41-43. “We are getting what we deserve for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom. He replied, ‘Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.’”

 

Most of us are familiar with this “thief on the cross” as he’s called, one of two criminals crucified with Jesus. At one time, both were insulting the Lord (Mark 15:32), but one had a change of heart, and rebuked the other for what they had been doing. He reminded the other of their guilt, for which crucifixion was what they deserved for their deeds. He also spoke to him of Jesus innocence, asking Jesus to remember him in His kingdom, to which Jesus promised him he would be with Him in Paradise.

 

Of course, this criminal doesn’t offer us the plan of salvation. Jesus lived under the Law of Moses, and was in His right as the Son of God to make such an offer. While some deny the criminal was immersed, we remember the great number of people who came from Jerusalem and all of Judea to be immersed by John. It is also possible he could have been immersed by Jesus’ disciples (John 4:1-2). We do know the Bible teaches us, in faith, to repent, to confess Jesus as Lord, and to be immersed so our sins can be forgiven (Acts 2:38; 1 Pet. 3:21).

 

Both criminals, though, do speak of the two ways one can encounter Christ. One found salvation, the other, as best as we can determine, condemnation. It is a vivid illustration of how we all will stand before Jesus, and be judged on how we respond to Him. Live for oneself, and received condemnation; deny oneself, live for Jesus, and receive life. These are our only two choices, so why not choose life? May we decide to humble ourselves and submit to the Lord, to find life. May we go about serving Christ as our Lord and Savior, living for Him today, and living with Him eternally. God bless.

 

Robert