May 13th, 2018

Remember Me

“The he said, ‘Jesus, remember when me when You come into Your Kingdom.”  Lk. 23:42

On that hill were three crosses, where a Savior hung between two thieves.  Jesus was “numbered among the transgressors,” as the Song of God was in the midst of criminals.  The guilty were with the innocent – and the innocent was taking their guilt to set them free.  Luke’s gospel 23:42-43 records the second saying of Jesus, as He has a conversation of salvation with a thief.  All who stood on that hill could see the sign over Jesus, which read, King of the Jews.  It was the written word of God – it was true.  Closest to Christ were two criminals.  One ridiculed Jesus.  The other thief turned to Christ and spoke these simple words:  “Jesus, remember me.”  The word of God had reached this thief’s heart – as he was dying – and caused him to speak, remember me.  The thief did not ask to be rescued, healed, or taken off the cross – even to go to heaven. No, instead, he simply asked to be remembered.  He understood he was a sinner, he accepted his consequence.  In an act of total humility, he simply said, “Jesus, remember me.”

The man realized he was a thief who had robbed God.  I began to realize, that thief is me.  I’ve robbed God of so many things, in so many ways.  I too, can cry out, “Jesus, remember me.”  One thief accepted Jesus; the other thief rejected Him.  Yet the Lord’s blood flowed for them both.  From the cross Christ was still saving.  His voice of love responded to the thief’s request – and Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, surely today you will be with Me in Paradise.”  Jesus was saving and redeeming the lost thief.  Even as they both were dying, it was not too late!  While one thief looked away, the other looked toward Jesus, repented in his heart and BELIEVED.  He believed the sign – that Jesus was the King of the Jews – the Messiah.  And Jesus said, TODAY – NOW – the believer would be with Him in heaven.  The promise of the blood was yes and more.  He would remember him and be with him.  They would be together.  Jesus was saying to the man, and is saying to us, believe in Me, and you will never be alone again.  Today.  Now.  We are remembered, received and united with Jesus, if we turn to Jesus and believe.  The gospel of Christ is the power of God to everyone who believes.  Jesus was saving and restoring the lost, even from the cross.  He forgave us and redeemed us into fellowship with Him.