Scripture: Luke 23:39-43 – One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
Reflection: If we have breath in our body it’s never too late. I’m certain when this unknown criminal found himself hanging next to the Savior of the world, he had no expectation of eternal life; his life was ending, and he knew he was being punished justly for his deeds. If you notice, the criminal didn’t provide a stirring prayer, he didn’t get down on his knees and profess all his sins, he surely had some; he simply looked to Jesus and said what was on his heart…” remember me when You come into Your kingdom”.
What unbelievable faith!
What a short, unsuspecting, appeal.
Have you ever been drawn to Jesus when you were somewhere uncomfortable; when you were somewhere you didn’t expect to find Him? Stop in the middle of your situation and ask Him to remember you. When you find yourself at the end of your proverbial rope, stop and ask Him to remember you. This statement, however, requires faith. Do you have the faith of the criminal? His situation was such that he would not live to know if Jesus remembered him, but he still felt sure enough to make his final request…” remember me….”.
Prayer: Father God, thank you for remembering me. There were many times when I had come to the end of my rope, and You pulled me up. There were many times when I felt that surely what I was going through was going to break me but thank You for remembering me. Thank You for being a God who meets us where we are, broken, bruised and torn, but never forsaken. Never forgotten. In the worst places, at the worst times, thank You God for remembering me. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
Devoted to God 