Daily devotional · April 7
Paradise for a Thief
“One of the criminals who hung there heaped abuse on Him. “Are You not the Christ?” he said. “Save Yourself and us!” But the other one rebuked him, saying, “Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same judgment? We are punished justly, for we are receiving what our actions deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom!” And Jesus said to him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.””
On the middle cross Jesus was insulted by one criminal and approached by another. That second man had no résumé, no time left to be baptized, no chance to make amends, and all he offered was a request: remember me. Jesus answered with more than he asked, promising that today he would be with him in paradise. It is one of the clearest pictures of grace in the gospels. God's welcome does not depend on how much time we have or how tidy our record is; it depends on a turning heart and the mercy of the king beside us. Today, if you have wondered whether you are too far gone, or if someone you love is, bring that name to Jesus. Pray simply, remember me, and remember them, and trust the one who answered so generously.
Prayer
Jesus, remember me, and remember those I love. Thank You for Your generous mercy. Amen.