| Photo by iMike Stettler on Unsplash
In Luke 23, we see that they take Jesus and others and take them to be crucified on the Cross. They nail Jesus to the Cross, and they nail two criminals to crosses on both sides of Jesus. In Luke 23:40-43, we see Jesus’ ministry to one of the criminals hanging on the Cross.
“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.” Jesus replied. “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
Even on the Cross, Jesus was not willing that any should perish. He was ministering to a convicted criminal, and because He confessed Jesus as Lord and Savior, Jesus forgave him his sins.
No one is beyond the reach of God’s amazing grace! This man was a convicted criminal, and yet Jesus loved Him, even as He was going through all that He was himself!
“Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me.” Jesus died on the Cross for us, and He offers us salvation. One criminal, sinner, rejected the grace of God, but one accepted the grace of God!
Today, why take the chance that we will have another opportunity to accept the amazing grace of Jesus! Today is the day of salvation! Why not ask Jesus into your life right now, because no one is guaranteed of tomorrow!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Pastor Ronald Squibb has been the International Christian Center (ICC) Lead Senior Pastor at Staten Island, New York, since 2011. He draws on many experiences from his over 40 years as a pastor and from significant emotional experiences.
His new book, Following the Journey with Jesus, which he co-authored with Daniel McNaughton, was recently published and is receiving rave reviews. The daily devotion appears in this publication.
