Do you, a sinner, think about your salvation? Luke 23:40-43

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!

   The Gaither's used to sing "Jesus, sweetest name I know", can you truly say this?  Check out the link above.  When Jesus was crucified He was placed on a cross and between 2 thieves. Jesus was tortured beyond belief by the time they (Romans) hung him on the cross.

   Once up on the cross the 2 thieves, according to Matthew cast insults toward Jesus. However, the one thief had a change of heart.  Before we go into that, reread what Jesus said on the cross.  The biggest and most important words, to me, that HE said was, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do."

   Wowee!  This is for you and for me.  We are sinners, and as we walk with the LORD we become more and more like HIM.  Will we ever be like JESUS?

   Let's look at Luke, the thieves did hurl insults toward Jesus, then the one thief did an about face.  Look: In Luke 23: 40 But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? 41 We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.”

   This thief suddenly had a revelation of what was going on.  He realized this man was of God.  So what happens next?

  Luke 23: 42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”

  This man, hanging on a cross next to Jesus had come to repentance and was speaking to the saviour.  Jesus did not hold grudges, blame anyone else, He knew why he was there and the reason thereof.  Look at Jesus' response:  Luke 23: 43 Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

    All through this crucifixion Jesus did not pray for the destruction of the many, but He said to His Father in Heaven- forgive them, for they know not what they do.

   The thief must have heard these words spoken by Jesus, and we, like the thief, have received the promise of salvation but we did absolutely nothing to deserve it.

   The only way to eternal life is, as the thief recognized, through Jesus Christ.  God wants each of us to come to him, but like the thief on the cross we must own our sinfulness.  Do you?  Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny