Redemption at the Cross

Scripture:  Luke 23:39-43 -  And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. 40 But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. 42 And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. 43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.

Seeing what we can learn from the thief on the cross – at the time of Jesus’ crucifixion, I I immediately think about how there were two thieves beside Him (Luke 23:33-43).  One thief responded in faith to the message of salvation and ent to paradise that same day.  The other thief did not respond in faith, and he is now eternally separated from Jesus. He is suffering from a deadly mistake – wrong choice.  It is amazing that while Jesus was in excruciating pain/torment and agony, He had a heart, mind, and will to pray for others.  One thief who suffered on the cross by the power of the Holy Spirit repented of his sin and asked for forgiveness of his sins.  He had a repentant heart.  While the disciples were abandoning the Lord, this man believed on Jesus and was forgiven of his sins.  The other thief rejected Jesus, and joined in with some of the crowd in insulting the Savior of the world (Matthew 27:44).  He saw the world get dark.  He heard the testimony of the Son of Man/God. Regardless, he refused to submit to the only one who could save/forgive him.  

We learn from the forgiven thief that we all are in need of A Savior.  We definitely are in need of salvation.  Ephesians 2:8-9 – “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast”.  Acts 4:12 says        “ Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”   Those who are lost are still invited to come to Jesus.  Revelation 3:20 – “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.”  Revelation 22:17 – “And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.”  John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

Prayer:  Dear Heavenly Father:  Thank You for redeeming us by the blood of the Lamb!  Now that we have been redeemed, please help us to make right choices daily.  We are so thankful for all that You have done for us.  In Jesus’ name. Amen.

(by Marsha Williams)