My, Devotion to Him #274
Verse Passage: Luke 23:32-34 “Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.” – NIV
Verse Passage: Luke 23:40-43 “But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” – NIV
This story I don’t think is touched on much. But it’s still a powerful message about Christ. He was led alongside two others. Both were criminals. The second one rebuked the first criminals statement which is in Luke: 23:39. He said “don’t you fear God?” Then proceeds “we are punished justly. But this man (Jesus) has done nothing wrong.”
This is a powerful statement in itself. Even this criminal was accepting what he had done was wrong, he accepted that him being on a cross and about to die was the result of his deeds. But in the midst of dying he defended Christ. He stated that Jesus had done nothing wrong. And even though he was a sinner, he still asked Christ to only remember him when Christ enters into His kingdom. Thus he believes Christ had a kingdom and defended Him. He did not ask for salvation into the kingdom, he did not asked to be rescued from the cross. He only wanted to be remembered by Jesus.
This was a humble cry to Jesus and He was moved by his words and most likely the truth to his motives that Jesus says “today you will be with me in paradise”.
This man had a life of crime that resulted in his crucification. He was not a good guy who made a mistake, he was a criminal and even accepted the punishment. But in his dying moments only asked that Christ remember him. Jesus followed that up with great mercy and saved him. Even in Jesus final moments on earth He still put Himself aside and saved this man from hell. Amazing!
Verse Passage: Romans 10:13 “for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” – NIV
It is never too late to call on His name. He is the only Savior. In our humbleness and acceptance of who we are and what we’ve done we shall be saved by the One who is called Christ Jesus!
God bless.
Copyright © 2021 by Jacob Olinger
Spirit Warrior Ministry 