This Day You Will be with Me in Paradise
MUSIC BLOG
02-15-2024
Today, You Will Be with Me in Paradise
Luke 23:42–43
*And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
Trials seem to be overwhelming as you are going through them. Being in a situation beyond your control, being in pain with no end in sight, not being appreciated at work or given the respect you feel is due, being alone, being sick: all these situations are currently or have the potential to become a trial. Any event that takes longer to endure than we have the immediate strength is a trial. Trials tap all our resources. Trials empty our reserves. Trials wear us down.
Hope gives us life. Have you noticed that even when going through your darkest trial it often only takes the smallest bit of hope to get you through? Imagine running a marathon with no finish line or climbing steps with no landing or end. When I have the opportunity to go to the mountains, I enjoy a mountain hike. Not the kind that uses ropes, mind you, just a nice trail with great Vista views and a finish line. Even on the best of hikes, there are often benches along the path to take a breather. I rarely take a stop on the way down, but I have used those benches for a breather on the way up. You see, it’s on the way up that travel is difficult. The upward trail makes your heart pound, and your lungs seem to lose their normal capacity. Breathing becomes labored, sweat beads form on your brow, you need a break, you need to be reminded of your end goal. You need that bench, even if just for a bit.
Jesus and the two thieves were on that upward trek. They had been in that horrific trial long enough to feel the panic of suffocation at least once and the pain of the nails as they pulled themselves up and off their ribcages. Jesus had already asked the Father to forgive his enemies. It was sometime thereafter that one of the thieves challenged Jesus to take himself off the cross and them with him. Rather than chime in with the taunting request, the other thief said something remarkable. “We deserve what we’re getting as punishment, but this man does not. Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.” A kind word, spoken to a fellow traveler in a similar trial. Jesus’ response was equally kind, “This day you will be with me in Paradise.” Jesus knew exactly what to say to the thief to encourage and comfort him. Many theses have been written about this word to the thief. It is evidence that a deathbed confession can truly bring about a salvation experience. However, I have never heard anyone say that this was the only kind word spoken to Jesus while He was on the cross. Think about it, where were His friends, His disciples? John was the only one who remained, but John was full of despair and grief. It was this un-named thief who acknowledged Jesus as Christ and Messiah. It was the unnamed thief that dared to ask for a blessing. Did Pilate recognize Jesus' true identity? Did the high priests? How about the crowd, did they bless Jesus as their long-awaited King? None of these did. Did the men who knew Him best rally around Jesus and offer support and comfort? No, it was only the faithful women who followed Jesus and John, the beloved.
This statement was indeed unique. It was wonderful for the speaker and the receiver. The thief on the cross blessed the creator of all things. It begs a question: “Why is that so wonderful, isn’t that what mankind was created for in the first place?” Maybe by looking for ways to bless others while we are in our trial we can also be blessed. Trials can bring out the very best in our natures as well as the very worst. The outcome is up to us. 1 Cor. 10:13 is a wonderful promise from God, “there hath no temptation (trial) taken us, but such as is common to man. God is faithful and will not allow us to be tempted above what we are able but will with the temptation provide a way for escape that we may be able to bear it.” God never, never really leaves us on our own. He’s with you now, in your trial, in your temptation. He will get you through, but you’ll have to lean on Him.
Blessings,
Marty