2nd Word from the cross

 

Each of us is terminal. - All of us here in this room. Share two common realities. - We're all sinners. Not a single person here 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 the Savior.

Then what?  We will address that issue today. The second word of Jesus from the cross is the word of compassion. - "Today you will be with me in paradise!"

1.                  Notice first the penitent thief.

A.                His rebuke of the other thief. And his request of Christ. Reveal a change in heart. First. He cursed the Savior. - He was exactly like the other thief. Cursing Jesus. Cursing the Romans. Cursing life. But then. He comes to his senses. And realizes this reality known to man. He is going to die. He will meet his Maker. – And then what?

B.                 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!

C.                In calling upon Jesus. He expresses. He knows his guilt.   He knows he is a sinner. And he knows. In death. He will depart this world. And meet him Maker. All he can request. Is that Jesus remember him. "Lord, remember me when you enter into Your kingdom!"

2.                  Notice Christ's reaction.

A.                First. Jesus expressed help. He will remember this repentant thief. - But the Savior's help is beyond the thief's request. Jesus offer is beyond our comprehension. Jesus offer is beyond what we could ever ask. Or think. He gives us not what we want. He gives us what we really need.

B.                 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 up Himself. As a sacrifice for sin. In Jesus Christ. All sin is forgiven - Period!  In speaking to this thief. Jesus shows him the reward of all who call upon the name of the Lord. - They shall be saved!

C.                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. We take a walk. From one end of the Kingdom to other. From grace to glory. Now we hear the Savior’s voice. Then we’ll see His face.

3.                  Notice also - A word of caution.

A.                Many have used this verse from the Lord's passion to excuse procrastination. I have plenty of time they reason. - After all. The thief was given a final chance on his deathbed. This is true. Yet whom among us can predict their own death? What about sudden death? We dare not use the Lord's compassion as an excuse.

B.                 Notice also that two men come to their deathbeds. One repented. - Yet one did not repent. There can be for some a point of no return. When they turn their back forever on the Lord.

C.                The third word of caution must remind us that while the Lord's grace is shown in Christ receiving this repentant thief. - Think how much was missed. - Consider the wasted opportunities. - The misspent years. That could not be reclaimed.

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.

Words- 700
Passive Sentences- 2%
Readability – 84.1%
Reading Level – 3.0