Passage of the Day:
Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. 33 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. 34 Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”[c] And they divided up his clothes by casting lots. 35 The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is God’s Messiah, the Chosen One.” 36 The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar 37 and said, “If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.” 38 There was a written notice above him, which read: this is the king of the jews. 39 One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” 40 But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? 41 We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” 42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.[d]” 43 Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise,” Luke 23:32-43.
Reflection:
Not many people know that they are about to die. As for the humble criminal on the cross, this man feared death and the damnation of hell that he deserved. Nonetheless, with a few breaths remaining, he spoke out against the bitter criminal on the other side of Jesus. This simple acknowledgement and act of confession opened the door to eternal paradise. As the 23rd anniversary of 9/11 draws near, I’m reminded of all the individuals on United Airlines Flight 93. Due to phone cell calls from loved one, these brave heroes knew the fate they were about the face. However, in the end, many if not all had time to get their lives right with God. As a few gave the signal “Let’s Roll,” these individuals were a mere breath from paradise.
Prayerful Action:
My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, 20 remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins, James 5:19-20.
Setting Clear Boundaries to Live By:
Over my years in ministry and teaching, I’ve learned not to judge a book (individual), by its cover. Rather, you need to peel back the layers like an onion to discover the backstory which has shaped this person. While you may make progress early on, it may take months or years for someone to open up to you. In the meantime, don’t be fooled by reputations and rumors. Take the time to find out for yourself so that when the opportunity presents itself, you’ll be ready like Jesus, 1 Peter 3:15.
Song of the Day:
Final Thoughts:
My brother-in-law Bob introduced me to Idle Cure when I was in college. May the lyrics of Break Away inspire you to look for opportunities to steer the lost toward the light of Christ.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 