JUNE 9: LAST MINUTE REDEMPTION

Two young men had been walking down a wide road leading to a wide gate that leads to hell. Along the road are many people of various characters. Individuals free to do whatever they like; drinking, fornicating, killing people, etc. to them it was enjoyment of life. Living life without purpose and without God. At last, the law caught up with them. They were sentenced to death by hanging on a cross. This was the story of the two robbers that were crucified along with Jesus Christ.

By God’s arrangement, these robbers were hung on their crosses along with Jesus Christ. Initially the two robbers made jest of Jesus (Matthew 27:44). Later, one of them was ashamed of himself; he rebuked his fellow robber saying, “Do you not fear God being under the same sentence of condemnation? He recognized that Jesus had done nothing wrong, while they were receiving the due reward of their own deeds. He became penitent, made a request that Jesus should remember Him when He got to his kingdom.

The robber might have had the conviction that Jesus would rise again and establish His kingdom. Jesus answered him; “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise” which is our memory verse. The grace Jesus granted him was more abundant than the request. Wherever Christ is, there is life, and there is kingdom. The robber secured his redemption and thus his victory over death at the last minute of his life.

This type of grace is always difficult to have. We should seek God when he is near and we have life. Our redemption should not be taken lightly. “Night comes when no man can work” (John 9:45). Our decision about redemption should be made when we are still alive.

PRAYER: The decision of where I will spend eternity should be taken seriously Lord Jesus, grant me the grace to do this when it is day; the night cometh when it may be too late. So, help me God.