Facing Death Unprepared
Bible Readings
- Luke 23:32-43 - 32 And there were also two other, malefactors, led with him to be put to death. 33 And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left. 34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots. 35 And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided him, saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God. 36 And the soldiers also mocked him, coming to him, and offering him vinegar, 37 And saying, If thou be the king of the Jews, save thyself. 38 And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS. 39 And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. 40 But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. 42 And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. 43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.
God welcomes everyone at any time. Have you accepted His gift of salvation?
God's grace is demonstrated in His willingness to welcome everyone into His Kingdom at any time. The repentant thief hanging on the cross next to Jesus had nothing to offer the Lord—no good works, no faithful service. He couldn't even be baptized. Completely helpless, the only thing he could do was believe. And that was enough.
Though both thieves began by reviling Jesus as they hung on crosses (Matthew 27:44), as the agonizing hours passed, one of them had a change of heart. His insults toward the Savior turned into a defense of Jesus, an admission of his own sin, and a plea for a place in Christ's Kingdom (Luke 23:40-42).
What made this scoffer a believer? The mocking observers accused Jesus of exactly who He was: the King of Israel, the Savior, and the Son of God (Matthew 27:42-43). As the condemned man watched and listened, he turned in faith to the only One who could save him—the One who was dying for him.
That day on the hill, one man died in his sin, One died for sin, and another was saved from his sin. Two people crucified with Jesus were faced with a choice, and the same is true today: We can either accept or reject the sacrifice Christ made for us, and our choice makes an eternal difference.
🤔 Reflection
Are you ready today to accept the sacrifice the Lord Jesus made for you, securing your eternal salvation? What difference does this choice make in your life and for your eternity?
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