Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with Me in paradise.” – (Luke 23:43, NIV)
Then Jesus said to him, “I promise you, today you will be with Me in paradise.” – (Luke 23:43, ERV)
Jesus responded, “I promise you – this very day you will enter paradise with Me.” – (Luke 23:43, TPT)
The response of Jesus to the criminal beside Him who was repentant, reminds us how great His grace truly is. Though He himself was hanging from the cross in agony, Jesus still heard the call of a repentant soul, and let it be known that the promise for all who turn away from their sinful ways and turn to God, remained true, even as they were living out their last breaths of life. No matter how far from God someone may appear, their salvation could be but a few breaths away. God works in mysterious ways. If He can touch the heart of a hardened criminal as he is having his death sentence carried out, God can do the same for anyone. We celebrate Christ’s arrival at Christmas, but this season ought to remind us why He came. Jesus came to bring forgiveness, peace, hope, love and joy to all who are willing to receive. May we fix our eyes on the greatest gift ever given, and celebrate as we walk in forgiveness, extending peace, love, hope and joy to all those around us.
The promise through Christ,
Was given for all;
So love might be known,
Through us, great and small.
For nothing we do,
That’s done with great love;
Goes without notice,
By the Lord above.
The Lord takes our gifts,
In love, multiplies;
The impact they have,
His grace maximized.
Lord, help us to rise,
With purpose each day;
Let our love spread hope,
Lead us in Your way.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You sent Your one and only Son to save us. Thank You that You receive us as we call on Your Name and recognize our desperate need for You. Forgive us for frustration and lack of faith when things seem impossible through our own eyes and understanding. Thank You that You are so much greater than we realize. Teach us to trust in You in all things and at all times. Show us how to love those around us in ways that grant peace, hope, love and joy to all. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we look at Your birth, life, death, resurrection and ascension in awe and wonder and gratitude. Amen.
© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present
But with You there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve You. – Psalm 130:4
Revelations In Writing 