The Seven Last Sayings of Christ—part 2

The Seven Last Sayings of Christ—part 2

 Luke 23:43, “Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.”

            The second saying of Jesus when He was being crucified was, a statement granting pardon and salvation to the thief on the cross beside Him.  Rather than condemnation, Christ pardoned the penitent thief who was justly being crucified for his crimes.  The impenitent malefactor said, (Luke 23:39) “…If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.”  “But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?  He then ask Christ, (Luke 23:42) “…Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.”  This man had done wrong and was being crucified for his wrong doings.  In the last moments of his life He asked Christ for forgiveness and we know that Christ forgave him because Jesus said to him, “Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.”

            I marvel at Christ’s reply, “Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.”  Even when Christ was suffering on the cross, He responded to the sinners request for forgiveness.  Oh, that God will make us more like Jesus.  May our prayer be that even when we suffer we will care for the souls and welfare of other people.  Surely, becoming more like Christ will include a genuine concern for the lost.  It is my prayer that God will cleanse me of all self-centeredness.

Song for the Day  “Others” by Charles D. Meigs