Luke 23:39-43

Interestingly, all the components necessary for our eternal salvation are fleshed out in our verses for today – if this were not so, Jesus would have told us would He not? These are the “take-aways” I get from the conversation between Jesus and the thief on the cross in the above verses:

• The thief feared God displaying it by not hurling insults at Jesus or blaspheming or reviling Him but rather turning to Christ – seeing Him as His intercessor.
• The thief was aware of his repeated, habitual sin and his inability to save himself.
• The thief realized that his sin had to be punished.
• The thief realized Christ was without sin.
• The thief realized Christ was going to another kingdom.
• The thief asked Christ to remember him in His kingdom.
• The thief rebuked and berated the other criminal in a biting charge demonstrating his disapproval showing forth fruit in his life.
• The thief is with Jesus in paradise and has been since that day.

Maintaining a holy confidence in our Lord, committing his way to Jesus, expecting help from Him, rejoicing in the hope of being with Him forever, this thief on the cross sets for us a good example. Do we maintain such a confidence in Jesus as Scripture states?

29 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. 30 Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 31 but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:29-31 (NIV)

11 And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher. 12 That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day. 2 Tim 1:11-12 (NIV)

7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day--and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. 2 Tim 4:7-8 (NIV)

Have we committed our way to Him who is more than sufficient to meet our every need – expecting Him always to grant us the grace to accomplish whatever He allows with contentment, peace and joy? Paul gives us the following declaration of the source of his amazing, supernatural strength- Jesus - as he proclaims:

11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Phil 4:11-13 (NIV)

Lastly, do we rejoice in the hope of being with Him forever – holding fast in confidence to our future eternal bliss? Jesus desires for us to be encouraged and strengthened by this truth. Just as He told His first disciples, He tells us:

1 "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. 2 In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. John 14:1-3 (NIV)

14 So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him. 2 Peter 3:14 (NIV)

“Nothing can harm us, including death, when we have trusted Christ as Savior, because Christ has conquered death – and so shall we.” Billy Graham