Word@Work Luke346 - Luke 23:39-43
Published: Fri, 04/29/11
Word@Work from BeaconLight
HONOURING THE TRUTH
Luke 23:39-43 One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: "Aren't you the Christ? Save yourself and us!" 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, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise." (NIV)
It was not only religious and military people who mocked Jesus on the cross; one of the two criminals joined in. His heart was as hard as the others. Although he 'asked' for salvation, the request was not with faith but disbelieving cynicism. He had no respect for the Son of God, the Saviour of the world. But the other criminal was different. His words revealed a different sort of heart; soft to the truth, realistic about his own sin and objective about the sinless character of Jesus Christ.
Firstly he revealed himself as a God-fearer. He knew he was accountable to God. Secondly, although the offender admitted that he had done wrong, he did not minimise his guilt, or question the rightness of his death sentence. Thirdly, he identified that Jesus Himself had done nothing wrong. Fourthly, he recognised Jesus as the King who would be vindicated and rule over His kingdom in God's heaven. After those confessions of faith he simply asked that Jesus would not forget Him the other side of the grave. Unlike the mockers who wanted Jesus far away from them, this man wanted to be near the Saviour. Christ's answer was unambiguous: "You certainly will be with me!" His repentance and faith in Jesus was enough.
Of all those who believed in Jesus during His earthly ministry, this convict's conversion is an important model. It shows that we do not have to be 'good enough' but rather 'honest enough' ... admitting our sins, honouring Christ in His sinless sacrifice and asking Him to be the Ruler over our lives for ever (see www.crosscheck.org.uk). Those who honour the truth are honoured by God, and those who refuse to honour Him now cannot expect the honoured welcome into heaven that the penitent thief was promised (1 Samuel 2:30). That is why evangelism is so essential, irrespective of lifestyle, age or culture. While there is breath, it is never too late to come to Jesus; and however bad the past may have been, Jesus will always receive those who choose to repent and honour Him. Today may be the day to reconsider all the 'hopeless cases' you know ... to pray that their hearts may be turned and that you will have courage to introduce them to Jesus.
Prayer: Dear Lord God, my loving Heavenly Father. How I thank You for this account. It reminds me that I am not accepted by You because I am good, but because I admit my sin and look to Jesus for salvation and a place in Your family. Thank You for such grace, which covers over all my sin because Jesus was crucified for me. I am concerned for my family, friends and colleagues who have no regard for you, and are trying to be acceptable by their good works. Help them to understand the need of honest repentance and dependence on Jesus. And help me to have the courage to explain to them how much Jesus loves sinners and wants to forgive the repentant, welcoming all those who want to be with Him. In His Name. Amen.
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It was not only religious and military people who mocked Jesus on the cross; one of the two criminals joined in. His heart was as hard as the others. Although he 'asked' for salvation, the request was not with faith but disbelieving cynicism. He had no respect for the Son of God, the Saviour of the world. But the other criminal was different. His words revealed a different sort of heart; soft to the truth, realistic about his own sin and objective about the sinless character of Jesus Christ.
Firstly he revealed himself as a God-fearer. He knew he was accountable to God. Secondly, although the offender admitted that he had done wrong, he did not minimise his guilt, or question the rightness of his death sentence. Thirdly, he identified that Jesus Himself had done nothing wrong. Fourthly, he recognised Jesus as the King who would be vindicated and rule over His kingdom in God's heaven. After those confessions of faith he simply asked that Jesus would not forget Him the other side of the grave. Unlike the mockers who wanted Jesus far away from them, this man wanted to be near the Saviour. Christ's answer was unambiguous: "You certainly will be with me!" His repentance and faith in Jesus was enough.
Of all those who believed in Jesus during His earthly ministry, this convict's conversion is an important model. It shows that we do not have to be 'good enough' but rather 'honest enough' ... admitting our sins, honouring Christ in His sinless sacrifice and asking Him to be the Ruler over our lives for ever (see www.crosscheck.org.uk). Those who honour the truth are honoured by God, and those who refuse to honour Him now cannot expect the honoured welcome into heaven that the penitent thief was promised (1 Samuel 2:30). That is why evangelism is so essential, irrespective of lifestyle, age or culture. While there is breath, it is never too late to come to Jesus; and however bad the past may have been, Jesus will always receive those who choose to repent and honour Him. Today may be the day to reconsider all the 'hopeless cases' you know ... to pray that their hearts may be turned and that you will have courage to introduce them to Jesus.
Prayer: Dear Lord God, my loving Heavenly Father. How I thank You for this account. It reminds me that I am not accepted by You because I am good, but because I admit my sin and look to Jesus for salvation and a place in Your family. Thank You for such grace, which covers over all my sin because Jesus was crucified for me. I am concerned for my family, friends and colleagues who have no regard for you, and are trying to be acceptable by their good works. Help them to understand the need of honest repentance and dependence on Jesus. And help me to have the courage to explain to them how much Jesus loves sinners and wants to forgive the repentant, welcoming all those who want to be with Him. In His Name. Amen.
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