Today’s Reading: Luke 23:39-43
Today’s Reference: Matthew 12:30 “Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.”
“Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”
Do you realize that both thieves offer up a prayer? The unrepentant thief said, “If you are the Christ, save yourself and us.” That’s a prayer. He wasn’t so concerned about eternity. He said, “Just get me off this cross.” He prayed and yet was lost forever, because he cared only for physical deliverance in the here and now.
One thief hung on Jesus’ right, the other on His left. Both thieves were guilty of their crimes, sentenced to the same death. The only difference between them is how they responded to Jesus.
And just as the Cross of Christ stood between them on Skull Hill, it continues to divide all mankind today into the saved and unsaved. By telling this story during the most important moments in the Bible, God shows us that our relationship with Jesus determines our eternal destiny. Everything depends on how you answer the question, “What will I do about Jesus?”
Prayer:
Father, help me overcome my love for the things of this world, and concentrate on Christ and my eternal future. Help me say with the repentant thief, “Jesus, remember me.”
In Jesus’ name, amen.