Saturday, March 17, 2012
Luke 23:43 "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise."
WHAT BUT THY GRACE?
Not all criminals come from underprivileged classes. He was living proof of that, at least for a while longer. Now he hung at the end of a row of three crosses.
No, he had not been underprivileged. He had lived among people who had been entrusted with the very words of God. Theirs was the adoption as sons; theirs the divine glory, the law, the temple worship and the promises. They had been privileged to have the prophets sent to them and from them the Savior of the world was to come.
But somewhere he had lost sight of those privileges, had become convinced that he was underprivileged and needed to take from others their goods, or reputation, or life! Surely the devil had rejoiced to see him turning his back on the God of Abraham, and Isaac, and Israel. Now it looked as though the old evil foe would claim his prize forever.
Then it happened! As the three crosses were being loaded with their grisly burdens, the One in the middle prayed, "Father forgive them ..." (v. 34). He knew about this Man: that He was innocent, could justly condemn His executioners, but instead spoke of forgiveness! Could there also be forgiveness for him? In turning to Jesus he also broke with his partner in crime, "Jesus, remember me when You come into your kingdom."
"Today you will be with me in Paradise." Such grace! The Tempter's power was foiled! Hallelujah!
I need Thy presence every passing hour;
What but Thy grace can foil the Tempter's power?
Who like Thyself my guide and stay can be?
Through cloud and sunshine, oh, abide with me!
(The Lutheran Hymnal, 552:6)
