As I was driving yesterday (and as always my mind was wandering in many directions) a story popped up in my mind, and I was completely moved by it. It's a story of complete faith and it takes place in the Bible at (what most may consider) a bleak moment. It is the story of the two men who were crucified next to Christ. I kind of started mentally breaking it down, and I was moved by one man's faith in his last moments. As Christ was crucified, the thief (labeled: sinner) to his right hurled insults at him saying things like "Aren't you Christ?? Why don't you save yourself and us??". He sounded like everyone else who wanted to see Christ crucified. He was thinking about himself, and didn't want to face the consequences of his action, and the ultimate reason he was there hanging next to Christ. Meanwhile the other thief (Also labeled: sinner) rebuked the first thief and said "Don't you fear God, since you are under the same sentence". "We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong" He then continue to say "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom". And Jesus replies "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise" Luke Chapter 23

I couldn't pick a title for this blog because that small conversation consist of so many different topics it was hard to pick just one. We are all off sin, we all pretty much make the same mistake (both thieves), BUT it is still up to you how you want to end things. This story is a story of faith, redemption, repentance, and choice. They both committed the same crime (at least they are labeled as thieves in the Bible) yet one knew when he got punishment it was justly given to him, and he was repentant> Most importantly he didn't ask selfishly to be saved from his punishment, but rather just to be remembered when Christ comes into his kingdom. The other thief on the other hand was hurting, in pain, but he still couldn't stop being selfish. 

This story still represents current day events. We are given choices, opportunities, and chance. How are we utilizing our opportunity at salvation? Are we using it for self gratification or are we using it to bring glory to God? Are our motives purely driven by selfishness? Are you constantly using the name of Jesus as a "Get out jail" card? My suggestion: I know we don't do it right every day or even every minute. We have flaws, and our flesh is constantly wanting it. it's way. However, when you are being corrected (crucified) don't go to God and ask "Why don't you get me out of this mess?" Instead, ask God to grace you...and like the man who asked to be remembered it's just a reminder that it's still not too late. I mean look at where he was.

Side Note:

Notice how Christ said "Paradise" and not "Heaven". That is because Christ had to die and rise again in order for us to go to Heaven. So prior to his resurrection everyone had a holy ghost party in paradise. His death for our sins, and resurrection is what opened up a way for us to enter Heaven (and everyone else prior to his resurrection). Thought I would throw that small piece of interesting fact in there. :-)

Be Blessed!!!!