READ: LUKE
23:39-43
One of the
most profound losses the kingdom of darkness has ever witnessed is the
salvation of the thief at the cross. It really beats their imagination. It
beats ours too. But that shows the mercy of God. The thief, who lived a
reckless life, robbed and subjected his victims to various levels of
degradation, was finally apprehended, tied and sentenced to death. At the cross
a few moments before his death, he met with Jesus. While his partner in crime joined
the soldiers to mock at Jesus, he was sober for once. He realised he was a
sinner and acknowledge it before the Lord: He confessed Christ as just and holy
and asked for salvation from hell. Immediately, he was forgiven and after death
he went to paradise, while his colleague ended up in hell that same night.
Whatever is a loss to the kingdom of darkness is gain to the kingdom to the Kingdom of God. In 2 Peter 3:9, we are told God does not want any human being to perish. In spite of the level of sins committed, God wants all men saved. Are you still wallowing in sin? God wants you saved today. Repent of those evils because they can damn your soul in hell. Irrespective of your sinful past, God’s forgiveness awaits you.
The salvation of the thief on the cross is an example of God’s saving grace. This is an aspect of the ministry of reconciliation every child of God should get involved with. The Lord is waiting for sinners to turn to Him, even at the point of death. Although many people may not have the opportunity, some however do. That thief at the cross represents all those who have terminal disease, like AIDS, cancer, etc… These have been sentenced to death by the presence of a deadly ailment. Also included in this are victims of ghastly accidents, chronic criminals on death row, the aged, etc… It is your duty as a child of God to identify such people and minister Christ to them.
The salvation of such people is easy. They might have been too busy in search of money, pleasure and other material things that they could not have time for God. Now as they live between life and death, they will be able to listen to you. Take advantage of this and minister Christ immediately to them. Receiving Jesus at this point gives them eternal life as they die. Any such person won to the Lord enriches your heavenly reward. Besides, it makes you like Jesus, your Lord. Some converts may return to their vomit and miss Heaven. But this group of converts, considering their closeness to death have greater chances of making Heaven. They are your greatest and surest investments.
Whatever is a loss to the kingdom of darkness is gain to the kingdom to the Kingdom of God. In 2 Peter 3:9, we are told God does not want any human being to perish. In spite of the level of sins committed, God wants all men saved. Are you still wallowing in sin? God wants you saved today. Repent of those evils because they can damn your soul in hell. Irrespective of your sinful past, God’s forgiveness awaits you.
The salvation of the thief on the cross is an example of God’s saving grace. This is an aspect of the ministry of reconciliation every child of God should get involved with. The Lord is waiting for sinners to turn to Him, even at the point of death. Although many people may not have the opportunity, some however do. That thief at the cross represents all those who have terminal disease, like AIDS, cancer, etc… These have been sentenced to death by the presence of a deadly ailment. Also included in this are victims of ghastly accidents, chronic criminals on death row, the aged, etc… It is your duty as a child of God to identify such people and minister Christ to them.
The salvation of such people is easy. They might have been too busy in search of money, pleasure and other material things that they could not have time for God. Now as they live between life and death, they will be able to listen to you. Take advantage of this and minister Christ immediately to them. Receiving Jesus at this point gives them eternal life as they die. Any such person won to the Lord enriches your heavenly reward. Besides, it makes you like Jesus, your Lord. Some converts may return to their vomit and miss Heaven. But this group of converts, considering their closeness to death have greater chances of making Heaven. They are your greatest and surest investments.
MEMORIZE:
2 PETER 3:9 –The Lord is not slack, concerning His promises as some men count
slackness; but is long suffering toward us not willing that any should perish
but that all should come to repentance.
