The Guilty Thief

 

Lord, Remember Me  
 
Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, "If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us."
 
But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, "Do you
not even fear God, seeing you are under the same
condemnation?
 
"And we justly, for we receive the due reward of our
deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong."
 
Then he said to Jesus, "Lord, remember me when You
come into your kingdom."
 
And Jesus said to him, "Assuredly, I say to you, today
you will be with Me in *Paradise*"
(Luke 23:39-43) *Paradise* a park as in Eden..(a place of future happiness)
 
        Greetings!
 
            People for the most part will take one of two positions when faced with reality of God's power and authority in front of them.  One will see God's authority as a opportunity to achieve selfish ambition, another will be broken as they're aware of their own unrighteousness.  Where the first group fails is the notion God Almighty is obligated to show his mighty hand, simply because one stands, in his arrogance, and demands it. The second group fears God, recognizing God ultimate authority as King of Kings, who isn't obligated to answer or serve, the greatest of men.
 
            We are looking today at backdrop of conversation between the two men crucified next to Jesus.  But as you may be aware already, as these men were dying, they were were privy to the conversations and events below them.  I believe some of what was transpiring  was forming their position and belief which, would shortly determine their eternity.  They didn't have the luxury of time to be scoffers and think tomorrow will be just as today.  God's authority was ruling over them through the hands of justice.  But only one of the criminals believed the mocking inscription over the head of Christ, "THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS."
 
            And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there
they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right hand
and the other on the left.
 
And Jesus said, "Father, forgive them for they do not know
what they do." And they divided His garments and cast lots.
And the people stood looking on.  But even the rulers with them
sneered, saying, "He saved others; let Him save Himself if He is the
Christ, the chosen of God.
 
 The soldiers also mocked Him, coming and offering Him sour wine, and saying, "If you are the King of the Jews, save Yourself."
And an inscription also was written over Him in letters of Greek,
Latin, and Hebrew:
  THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS
( Luke 23:33 - 38 )  
        One can see from the two blocks of scriptures, a central accusation that Jesus answered himself in the beginning of his ministry.  As you may recall  Jesus was in the wilderness and the devil came to tempt him three times.  Two of the three temptations were prefaced with: ..."If you are the Son of God"...than thus and such.  If your curious as to what the dialog between Jesus and the devil was, please read (Luke 4: 1-13)  I will tell you something else, God can speak to you much more than I have given you as you ask him to reveal himself through his word!  He is no respecter of persons, but what is important is that we ask and not demand.
 
        So what can we gather from the story of the wise and unwise criminals? One was broken, one was proud.  One acknowledged His Lordship, one demanded He prove it.  Let me ask you, ...Are you a scoffer or a broken believer?  Do you fear God or demand from Him in presumption?  Maybe if we remember He holds eternity in his hand, the Lord Himself will be mindful..... to remember us.
 
        Take a moment, let God speak to you and if need be, empty your cup of presumption and arrogance.  Let the Spirit of God fill you  with brokenness and humility so you may find yourself watered and refreshed in His Kingdom....
 
    for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but
righteousness, and peace and joy in Holy Ghost....
  ( Romans 14:17 )

    May God strengthen and encourage your heart!
 
    Pete