Lift Off! 40 Days of Sacrifice - Day 02
Luke 23:35-43
And the people stood by, looking on. And even the rulers were sneering at Him, saying, "He saved others; let Him save Himself if this is the Christ of God, His Chosen One." The soldiers also mocked Him, coming up to Him, offering Him sour wine, and saying, "If You are the King of the Jews, save Yourself!" Now there was also an inscription above Him, "THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS."
One of the criminals who were hanged there was hurling abuse at Him, saying, "Are You not the Christ? Save Yourself and us!" But the other answered, and rebuking him said, "Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed are suffering justly, for we are receiving what we deserve for our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong." And he was saying, "Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom!" And He said to him, "Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise."
When Jesus was crucified on the cross, two criminals were placed on both sides of Him and were also crucified. These two men were likely the lowest of the low, as crucifixion was typically reserved as punishment for what was considered the bottom of society such as slaves. In one of the most powerful moments of the crucifixion, one of the criminals asks Jesus to remember him when he comes into His kingdom. Jesus responds, “I tell you the truth you will be with me in paradise.” This moment illustrates one of the most important truths in life and corrects one of the biggest misunderstandings in the world today, which is that only good people go to heaven. This story shows us good people don’t go to heaven, but forgiven people go to heaven. The Bible tells us that none of us are good people. Only God is good, and all of us fall short of His goodness.
(excerpted from https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/914-read-letter-day/day/9)
Praise God for His goodness and forgiveness. In light of all the information presented about suffering refugees, forgiveness may be tough to ask for. But we must hold to the truth that forgiveness is available for all people and in God's sovereignty, He will bring His people to Himself for His glory. Pray that in the midst of turmoil, pain, and suffering, that God would still be glorified through His goodness and forgiveness. Pray that true healing would come to all parties involved in this disastrous time in Syria. And pray that true forgiveness would reign in the hearts of all those involved.
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