A Lenten devotion for Friday, March 28
- ontrakk
- Mar 28
- 1 min read
Luke 23:43
Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
I have heard people argue that this kind of forgiveness is just not right, that people shouldn’t be (loved or) forgiven “automatically “ despite awful things in their past. But I would (and do) argue that everyone deserves the chance to speak to Jesus. And we need to remember that Jesus already knew everything about that prisoner. He knew the prisoner’s heart. He knew he would be accepted into paradise. God knows our hearts, and knows what we are striving to be. And he knows that when we ask for forgiveness we mean it.
Holy Lord, everyone has the opportunity to come to you in some way, at some time. We may not always understand the small part of that reality we witness, but we know you are fair and forgiving, and will not leave anyone behind who should be with you forever. Amen
Becky, transforming
Pic by Anthony
Friday, March 28th, 2025 ( 21st day of Lent)
Luke 23:43
And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
If a person commits sins throughout his life without repenting and asks for forgiveness only on his death bed, will he be forgiven and allowed to enter heaven? The thief on the cross did this in the last minutes of his life, and Jesus assured him that truly he would be with him in paradise. This verse tells us it’s possible for a person at the last moment of their life to repent, believe, and be allowed to enter into the kingdom of heaven. As Jesus was hanging on the cross,…
Luke 23:43
This is our first lesson in forgiveness. The BIG one comes tomorrow. We know it is by our Faith we are saved, not by what we do. The prisoner had Faith, thus he would join Jesus in paradise. We don't know but maybe the other prisoner heard that and his heart was changed by Jesus words. We don't know what is in someone's heart when they are near death, but God knows.
Prayer: Gracious God, My heart is yours. I hope those around me see that. AMEN
Luke 23:43
Jesus foretold this scenario when He taught the parable of the workers who were all paid a day’s wages even if they only worked one hour. We are saved by faith, not works. Now, as Paul says, once we know the truth we cannot keep on sinning to “let grace abound.” The point is, even a lifetime of sinful behavior can be forgiven if the throne of grace is approached with a broken spirit, contrite heart and genuine repentance. Lucado used numerous disparaging adjectives to describe this thief - I suspect with the aim of getting the reader to think about their own sinfulness. As for this thief or anyone else, It is not my place to judge…