-April 23, 2023-
Good morning, happy Lord’s Day,
“Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, ‘If you are the Christ, save Yourself and us.’ But the other, answering rebuked him, saying, ‘Do You not even fear God, seeing that you are under the same condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.’ Then he said to Jesus, ‘Lord, remember me when you come into Your Kingdom.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.’”
(Luke 23:39-43).
What a comparison and contrast between the two thieves who were crucified on either side of Jesus. At first they both were against Him, reviling and blaspheming Him. Both were sinners, both were guilty and deserving of punishment. Matthew 27:44 tells us, “Even the robbers who were crucified with Him reviled Him with the same thing.”
Each person must make their own decision to receive Christ. The first thief right down to his dying breath, rejected Christ. Even when staring death head on. How sad! How tragic! There are those who hear the gospel and reject it on their deathbed.
The second thief heard the same words than the first one heard, but He repented of his sins and accepted Jesus as his personal Savior. He knew he would die, but became a herald to the other thief, and to others at the cross who heard him. Jesus promised that he would be with Him in Paradise. The first thief rejected Christ, the second one received Him. Both of the thieves were just as sinful and guilty, but the second one realized Jesus died for him, saw his need, and believed.
Have you made your decision to receive Christ? If you haven’t, why not today? Tomorrow could be too late. For those of us who know the Lord it is a lesson to share the truth of the gospel with those who are lost. They then must make their own decision for Christ, we can’t force them.
Let us rejoice in our salvation. Paradise awaits us at the Lord’s coming or death, whichever comes first. Have a blessed Lord’s Day in worship, remembrance, in the Word and in fellowship and prayer. Stay safe and healthy.
Thanking God for our salvation,
Dean
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Dean Allen's Daily Devotional 