PARADISE: A MOMENT OF GRACE

 

PARADISE: A MOMENT OF GRACE

Luke 23:40-42 But the other criminal protested, “Don’t you fear God even when you are dying? We deserve to die for our evil deeds, but his man has done anything wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.”

As we gaze upon the dying thief and his encounter with Jesus, we notice God’s amazing grace at work. It is a wondrous thing God does for us, none of us deserve the workings of God’s grace in us, but when it happens, it forever changes our lives.

I notice several things that happened to the dying thief. He prayed unexpectedly. No one expects to get caught in their sinful activity. When he did what he did, he certainly did not do it with the idea of dying on a cross for it. And, he certainly did not expect to get into a conversation with God as he was dying.

He prayed out of a sense of desperation and fear. When he met Jesus, he had no hope of ever getting off of his cross. He knew he was dying and fear gripped his soul. He had no one to turn to, no one to help him. But all hope was not gone for next to him was Jesus. He had paid no attention to him while he was living, but now that he was dying, Jesus was all that mattered. While the other thief was mocking Jesus, he asked him, “Don’t you fear God?” It’s a question that defines whether or not a person can truly be saved. A fear of God is natural and normal for those who would seek Him.

The thief prayed in believing faith. He had never given serious thought to whether or not Jesus was the promised Messiah, but now he did. He prayed in Jesus’ name. He finaslly saw the light and knew that Jesus was indeed God and could help him be ready for his last breath of life. As the saying goes, “It is better late than never.”

He prayed, “Remember me, Lord.” He did not pretend to be better than he was. He did not deny his life of sin. He did not try to clean up his act before He came to Jesus. He came to Jesus just as he was, a lost sinner in need of a Savior. He finally saw the light. Jesus was able to help him. “Remember me, Lord. Don’t forget about me. Don’t let me die without you. Don’t let me live another moment without you.”

He died expectantly. “…...when you come.” He knew that this was not the end for Jesus. Jesus would live on. He was soon going to establish His kingdom. Death was merely a stepping stone into eternal life. The thief did not want to be left behind.

May his prayer be all of our prayers. Don’t let your guaranteed death catch you unprepared and leave you behind.