2000 years ago, several men hung dying on crude wooden structures, experiencing one of history’s most gruesome and torturous methods of execution.
At least two other men hung beside Jesus of Nazareth, the adopted son of Joseph the carpenter. Of the three men, one claimed to be the Son of God, the long awaited Messiah promised to the Hebrew people. The other two were admitted criminals.
Many people stood around watching the horror unfold in front of their eyes. Most mocking a dying man whose most notorious crimes were to heal the sick on the Sabbath, and call God his Father.
But one of the men hanging close to him refused to take part in mocking Jesus. He realized he was about to enter eternity with no answer for the sin he had committed during his life.
He turned to Jesus and freely admitted his wrongdoing. He did not try make excuses, but simply said “Lord, remember me.” In the book of Luke, chapter 23, Jesus answer is recorded: “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”
Three days later, Jesus stood outside the tomb the religious authorities had intended would hold Him forever. By His resurrection, He proved His superiority over every religious teaching. By His resurrection, He proved He could make good on His promise to that dying thief.
Do you have anything in your life you might not want to give account for when you face God some day? Whether you like to admit it or not, we all, not matter how good we are, fall short by God’s standard. “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23)
God has a simple, but effective remedy for all that is wrong in this world. Romans 3:24 goes on to say: “being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus”.
You will live forever. You need to decide now where you will spend your eternity.
“The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and those who practice lawlessness, and will cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!” (Matthew 13:41-43)
God is not sending anyone to hell. On the contrary, He very much wants to keep you out of it. He sent His Son Jesus who bore your punishment on the cross. God wants to receive you as His own. You not only receive forgiveness and life eternal, but all the blessings the Father has for his beloved children. These include health, deliverance from poverty, and the right to approach the Father in the name of Jesus to receive answers and deliverance from whatever trouble this world may throw at you. (2 Peter 1:3)
Simply do what the thief on the cross did. Ask Jesus to remember you. Tell Him you want to be with Him in His kingdom. “the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out.” (John 6:32)
