“And He said to him, ‘Truly, I say to you, today you will be
with Me in Paradise.” Luke 23:43
Each of us is terminal - all of us share two common
realities - We're all sinners. Not a single person can claim to be perfect.
Every man, every woman, every boy and every girl - we're all sinners.
The second reality common to us all is that death is a
reality for each must die. "The
wages of sin is death" the Bible tells us. Each of us will face our
end. When we close our eyes to death then we will meet our maker. Then
what? This thief in calling out to Jesus
reveals the recognition of his own guilt. He comes to the realization that he
is a sinner. He comes to his senses and realizes his own mortality. In calling
out to Jesus, he realizes that his sins have condemned him! All he can request
is that Jesus remember him. "Lord,
remember me when you enter into Your kingdom!"
Jesus' reaction reveals the nature of His work. He came to
seek and to save that which is lost. He went to the bloody cross to offer us
Himself as a sacrifice for sin. In Jesus Christ all sin is forgiven -
period! In speaking to this thief he
shows him the reward of all who call upon the name of the Lord - they shall be
saved! Christ's reaction shows us the
place of the dead believer. We shall be with Christ eternally! Mark the Savior's words. Today you will be with Me in paradise. Death defined by the
Christian is the separation of the soul from the body. Death to the Christian
is our entrance into glory. Every day is a gift. Every day is an opportunity to
do good, to make a difference, to dream big and to act. In Jesus Christ our destiny is secure - make
good use of the present as you anticipate eternity.
Lord, accept our prayers and worship and have mercy on
us. For us sinners, now and at all
times, and at the hour of our death, for by Your death, death was abolished;
have mercy upon us and grant us Your peace.
Julius Schnoor von Carolsfeld ©WELS
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