BIBLE READING:
LUKE 23:39-43
39 And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.
40 But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?
41 And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.
42 And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.
43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.
KEY VERSE:
“Then he said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.”
Luke 23:42
MEDITATION:
The story was told of a farmer who, while driving along near the edge of a cliff unaware that the sea had eroded the cliff suddenly found himself, cart, and horse, all falling through the air, down and down, onto the rocks beneath. As he was falling it seemed that he remembered all he had heard from attending church, all he had been taught by his Christian parents, Sunday School teachers, and believing friends. It all came flooding into his mind, and while he was falling through the air, he cried to God to save him. In that same instant, he was given divine assurance that the God of grace had heard his prayers. He crashed onto a huge pile of seaweed and sand which cushioned his fall. He escaped death and had no injury. He lived thereafter for many years, adorning the gospel he had come to believe and confess at that instant until his death. Had he died, none would have been aware that as he was falling, he cried to God and was saved even at the eleventh hour!
Our bible reading today comes with the same flavour. The two thieves on the cross were faced with the same fate – death! One was able to harness the opportunity positively while the other lost it forever. We are to understand that God is sovereign in the salvation of sinners since He said, “I will have mercy on whom I will Have mercy” Romans 9:15.
Which opportunity of life do you wish you had not missed?
PRAYER:
Father Lord, pass me not by today in your infinite mercy.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
PROVERBS 28-30, 2 CORINTHIANS 12