Daily Devotional For Thursday, March 28, 2024
We are looking at what is called “The Seven Last Words From the Cross” by Jesus as a lead up to Easter. Today, we come to the second statement Jesus made from the cross. It is found in Luke 23:43, “I assure you, today you will be with Me in paradise” (NLT). Jesus made this statement to one of the thieves on the cross He was crucified between. The context is Luke 23:39-42:
“One of the criminals hanging beside him scoffed, “So You’re the Messiah, are You? Prove it by saving Yourself—and us, too, while you’re at it!” (40) But the other criminal protested, “Don’t you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die? (41) We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn’t done anything wrong.” (42) Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into Your Kingdom” (NLT).
Two thieves — two different responses. One criminal lashes out at Jesus, demanding proof that He was the Messiah. Some of the earliest historical documents from this time suggests that these two thieves or criminals zealots who had been part of their leader’s group. And who was that? Barabbas. We can’t be for certain but if they were, it would be amazing. Two zealots who wanted to overthrow Rome and usher in an era for the promised prophesied Messiah. One was bitter, angry and resentful that his lifestyle got him crucified. Which means he was days, possibly hours from eternity, standing before God, and all he can do is lash out at God.
The second thief rebuked the first thief and cries out to Jesus as the Messiah to save him. What a promise Jesus gave him. Think about it. No four spiritual laws presentation. No Roman Road presentation. No one read Scripture to Him. He simply cried out to Jesus. The first thief seemed not even to fear God, something the second thief pointed out. This second thief obviously feared death, God and standing before God. What a cry.
The Bible says in Romans 10:13, “For “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (NLT). A crucified thief? Yes. Both were destined to hell. One fortunately repented to Jesus and the other one unfortunately mocked Jesus. Both thieves have the same opportunity, yet only one took it. One thief saw Jesus as the Messiah, the other thief saw only the misery he had for believing in an idea about the promised Messiah. Read the words of Dan Meyer below:
“Years ago I traveled to Ecuador and spent a couple of weeks traveling in the mountains. The Quechua Indian people I met there lived amidst the most mind-numbing squalor. The disease and disfigured bodies were heartbreaking. The bugs and stench were everywhere. People were living in a hole in the ground and calling it a house. They were feeding on rotten food and prizing garbage as possessions. But they didn't know it. Why? Because everyone lived that way. They had never been given a picture of what it means to be a genuinely healthy human being. They did not know what an abundant life truly looked like.
That is our problem, too. It's the reason we think of ourselves as largely innocent people—people who have little to do with bringing about the Cross of Christ. We don't get how sick and undeveloped we are spiritually. In Psalm 14:1-2, David says this "The Lord looks down from heaven on the sons of men to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God. (3) But all have turned aside. They have together become corrupt. There is no one who does good, not even one” (ESV). Just like those Quechua Indians did not know their lifestyle was condemning them, people today do not realize that for their own life” — (Source: Dan Meyer, in his sermon "Why Remember the Passion?" www.ccobtv.org (4-9-04).
Look at your life in view of Christ on the cross. Which thief do you more resemble? Are you questioning Jesus or are your crying out to Him? Are you more like the Quechua Indian people — not knowing and living as if there is a better way to live?
Scripture to Meditate On: Jeremiah 29:13, “You will seek Me and find Me, when you seek Me with all your heart” (ESV).
Prayer To Pray: “Dear Jesus, I hate to admit it but at times I do question You. There are times I am angry at You. There are times I want You to prove Yourself to the world and to me. Please forgive me for having thoughts and feelings like this. It is so hard to live and walk but faith. Please help my unbelief and please help me to trust You and obey You. Like that thief on the cross, I know I can’t save myself nor do anything to get myself out of the sins and messes I have caused except to be like that thief — to cry out to You repeatedly. I love You Lord and ask You to forgive me and I promise that for Easter 2024, I will continue to cry out to You and not lean on my own understanding. In Jesus’ name, Amen!”
I love you Southside — Pastor Kelly