Today’s Devotion
Topic: The Choice Is Yours!
Topic: Luke 23: 32, 39
32 Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with Him to be executed. 39 One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at Him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” Amen
Jesus had already warned Pilate that He had a kingdom that is not of this world. However, because the import of that truth is difficult to grasp with our physical senses, Pilate still goes ahead and hands Jesus over to be crucified.
This means that although He agreed that the chastisement of our transgression be upon Him, that did not change His divine position as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. It also means that although crucified among two criminals, He was not a criminal to be treated as such.
But you see, one of the criminals hanging at His side started hurling insults at Jesus. He was not discerning. He employed sarcasm and said, “Aren’t you the Messiah, save yourself and us.”
The other criminal on the other hand was not as foolish. He rebuked the first by saying “Don’t you fear God since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” (Luke 23: 40- 41)
“Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23: 42- 43)
You see, it wouldn’t have cost a thing for the criminal who insulted Christ to choose to believe Him on this dying cross, so that he’s safe, should heaven and heal be real (and they are). But no! He had already chosen to die in his sins. The opportunity to be saved was gifted to Him moments before his death, but He rejected it and insulted the Saviour.
So, apart from choosing hell over heaven by dying in his sins, the rhetorical question is what will he do and say when he sees the Jesus he abused seated in His glory as King of Kings, judging both the living and the dead?
Beloved, some of us may be acting like this foolish criminal by rejecting God’s free gift of salvation everyday. We mock Jesus and blaspheme the Holy Spirit all the time. We simply cannot phantom how come the Saviour can stoop so low into our situation just to offer salvation before tomorrow comes when we are no more.
It is love that makes it so. His love for you is stronger than death, and better than life (Song of Songs 8:6, Ps 63:3). Repent of your sins, confess them also and ask Jesus into your heart. He will receive you and dwell in you; both to will and to do.
On the day of judgement you will smile. Not only because His righteousness aquits you of all the terrible sins you have done. But also because you know Him, He’s more than a friend to you. You will smile as He says to you “good and faithful servant, … enter the joy of your Father” (Mat 25: 21). The Choice Is Yours!
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