JESUS SPEAKING
There were also two others, criminals, led with Him to be put to death. And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right hand and one on the left […..] 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 indeed 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, this day you will be with Me in Paradise.” (Luke 23: 32 – 33 & 39 – 43)
INSPIRED THOUGHTS
Jesus was crucified in the middle of two guilty criminals. One man began mocking Him, but the other spoke up in His defense. This second man rebuked the blasphemer. He also acknowledged Christ’s innocence, divine authority, and eternal kingship. In response to this display of faithfulness, Jesus granted him everlasting life. In this world, our primary purpose is to raise Jesus Christ up, so that everyone can choose a side; either Christ is nothing, or Christ is everything. Although many will seek to prevent us from spreading the gospel, we must never waiver.
At one point during Paul’s ministry, he entered the city of Lystra and began preaching the gospel. Although many were saved, a great multitude rose up against him and pelted him with stones. Believing he was dead, they dragged him out of the city. However, when the other believers had gathered around him he stood up, and instead of fleeing, he reentered the town. The next day they traveled the to city of Derbe to preach the gospel, but they soon returned to Lystra. Clearly, despite his near death experience, Paul never succumb to fear, but rather, continued raising up the cross of Christ; especially in places where others were seeking to pull it down.
Like Paul, we as well have been given a mandate; we must raise up the cross of Christ in the center of this world. We cannot allow it to remain hidden, or permit others to tear it down. Many will choose salvation and repent. Still others will despise Christianity and seek the destruction of all those who carry the message. We must be brave; we must be bold, and we must be steadfast in our mission.
”Lord Heavenly Father, we come before You and ask for the strength to elevate Your Son upon the cross. May Your light shine in us and through us; that others might hear the gospel message and be drawn to You. May we remain faithful in this, our Christian duty. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you!
Jesus Speaks 