"Two others, both criminals, were led out to be executed with Him…
One of the criminals hanging beside Him scoffed, 'So You're the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving Yourself - and us, too, while You're at it!'
But the other criminal protested, 'Don't you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die? We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn't done anything wrong.' Then he said, ' Jesus, remember me when You come into Your Kingdom.'
And Jesus replied, ' I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.'"
In a moment, he went from sinner to saint.
In a moment, he went from condemnation to forgiveness.
In a moment, he went from death into eternal life.
In a moment, he went from a cross to paradise.
In the hour of His greatest suffering, His body bruised and broken beyond recognition, forsaken by His Father, mocked and scorned as He struggled for breath, bearing the weight of the sin of all mankind - even then - Jesus looked across at a needy, believing heart and responded in love. Such grace.
And so it has always been. He did it for us - never once turning back. His love compelled Him to come, to live with us, to die for us, and, in one glorious moment, to rise from the dead that we too might live forever with Him.
Blessed Easter dear friends,
Linda
