Today’s Encouragement is “Then he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.’ And Jesus replied, ‘I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.’” Luke 23:42-43 (NLT)
Remember Me –
As these two men were dying an excruciating death, this amazing conversation was heard—one wrongly accused and innocent, one clearly deserving his execution. One lived a life of blessing, caring for others, healing, teaching God’s Love and wisdom, loving and performing miracles; the other was a relentless thief living a life of crime and selfishness. Both dying… in the final moments of life….
This thief teaches us humility, repentance, surrender, and utter dependence on God’s grace. In just these few words, we see Redemption described.
This man recognized his guilt (v41 we deserve to die), he recognized Jesus’ innocence (v41 this man hasn’t done anything wrong), and finally, he recognized Jesus as Lord (v42 remember me when you come into your Kingdom)! This is faith, my friend! They were both clearly and rapidly dying… and yet the thief believed! He believed that Jesus was going to come into His Kingdom! This is genuinely remarkable faith!
And Jesus responded with Assurance…Salvation… Hope…! Today, you will be with me in paradise!
No good deeds done, no water baptism, no other acts of repentance nor other words… just a desperate plea!
Jesus! Remember me!
Father, Your Grace for us sinners, undeserved and unearned, is truly astounding, amazing, and even… irrational. It just doesn’t make sense to our minds… Yet Father, like this dying thief… we believe in You!
How Love Wins (Thief)
Steven Curtis Chapman
Today’s Encouragement 