[The criminal on the cross next to Jesus said…. ] “We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn’t done anything wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.” And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.”” (Luke 23:41–43, NLT)
The above conversation came as Jesus and a criminal were each dying on a cross, one next to the other. Jesus was suffering. The criminal was suffering as well. Death was near. But in this moment when a normal person might be thinking only of him or herself, these two…. Jesus and the criminal…. reached out to one another. The criminal confessed his own crimes, then said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom” (Luke 23:42). Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43).
Now stop for a moment and reflect on this scripture. Jesus could not use his hands to explain salvation or heaven. Jesus hands were held by a nail to the cross. Jesus could not take a nice walk to explain grace to the criminals dying next to Him. Jesus’ feet were nailed to the cross as well. Still, in this moment when everything seemed lost, Jesus was able to save a soul for all eternity. God can save souls in the most unlikely of situations. It doesn’t matter where you are, how bad the situation is, or how poor the timing. Just be on watch for God’s amazing grace to present itself!
After exorcising a demon from a tormented young girl, Paul and Silas were thrown into prison in Philippi. The whole situation is explained in Acts 23. While in jail, Paul and Silas didn’t pout or get depressed or fall apart. Instead, the two men sang hymns! Then, at midnight, a great earthquake broke down the jail walls. Seeing the jail demolished, the jailor thought to kill himself (he was responsible to keep the prisoners behind bars!). As Paul and Silas discerned what the man was about to do, Paul called out to the jailor, “Do not harm yourself. We are all here.” Shocked at everything that happened that night, the jailor asked Paul and Silas, “Men, what must I do to be saved?” (Acts 23:23). Given this blessed opportunity, Paul and Silas were able to baptize the jailor and all his family as well as bring the gospel to many others in Philippi.
Throughout the Bible, people who were in tune with God were presented with precious moments of amazing grace. Filled with the Holy Spirit, they performed miracles, exorcised demons, saved souls, and changed countless lives. Even when they were in trouble, in threat of death, at their lowest point, suffering sickness, or reeling with pain, they were able to advance the Kingdom and bring God’s grace to the moment.
Don’t ever think you can’t make a difference. Even at your lowest point, God can present you with opportunities to bring healing, love, peace, and salvation to another! You never know when one of those “holy moments” will come along.
In the 1960’s and 1970’s, various spiritual renewals broke out in California. Most centered-on Zen Buddhism or were based on cult heroes. However, a Christian spiritual renewal also took shape in those days. It was called the Jesus Movement. Thousands of people came to Christ from the Jesus Movement. One of those who accepted Christ was Lonnie Frisbee. Many thought Lonnie would never do such a thing. As a drug dealer and drug user, he was considered lost by most church people. And yet, in a time in his life when he was at a particular low, he came to a Jesus Movement gathering and was saved. Less than a year later, people were shocked when Lonnie began to reach out with the gospel to drug users and drug dealers, urging them to change their ways and accept Jesus Christ as Lord. When Lonnie died, some say more than a thousand lost souls were saved by Lonnie alone, forever linked to our Lord Jesus Christ.
Jesus saves a soul while on the cross. Peter and Silas saved souls while in jail. A drug dealer at his lowest point is saved. In turn, he saves thousands of other lost souls. You never know when God will use you to bring grace, forgiveness, healing, or salvation to a soul nearby. All you have to do is be on alert for God’s gracious hand and the presence of the Holy Spirit.
That first Easter is one more way God made a blessing out of a low point. Jesus was murdered on that cross. He was placed in a tomb. The Jewish Authorities thought they had silenced Jesus. The disciples were grieving. Followers were scattering. When all seemed lost, Jesus was raised from the dead. God brought life in the midst of death.
You never know what God will do when things get difficult, do you? Watch for the Holy Spirit. Watch for God’s hand in a holy moment. Jesus is still saving souls. God is still redeeming lives and bringing healing when all seems lost! Hallelujah!
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Oh Heavenly Father, thank You for that empty tomb on the first Easter morning! The world was greatly blessed when You raised Jesus from the dead. This resurrection story continues to change lives for the better. Your saving grace continues to be shared. The gospel continues to inspire every generation.
Because of what you did on Easter long ago, dear Father, You have rescued me from a life of sin and regret. Working through Jesus, You have inspired me to be faithful. Your Holy Spirit continues to direct my steps and feed my soul.
Today, I promise again to obey Your Word. Because of Jesus Christ, I ask for forgiveness. Cleanse my heart from sin. Let me be a bearer of Your truth. Let me be a faithful light in this fallen world. Use me to save souls, rescue the lost, unburden the weary, and be kind to the needy.
Because of You, because of Easter, out of respect, I consider myself one of the chosen who has accepted the call to believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior. Amen.
Now stop for a moment and reflect on this scripture. Jesus could not use his hands to explain salvation or heaven. Jesus hands were held by a nail to the cross. Jesus could not take a nice walk to explain grace to the criminals dying next to Him. Jesus’ feet were nailed to the cross as well. Still, in this moment when everything seemed lost, Jesus was able to save a soul for all eternity. God can save souls in the most unlikely of situations. It doesn’t matter where you are, how bad the situation is, or how poor the timing. Just be on watch for God’s amazing grace to present itself!
After exorcising a demon from a tormented young girl, Paul and Silas were thrown into prison in Philippi. The whole situation is explained in Acts 23. While in jail, Paul and Silas didn’t pout or get depressed or fall apart. Instead, the two men sang hymns! Then, at midnight, a great earthquake broke down the jail walls. Seeing the jail demolished, the jailor thought to kill himself (he was responsible to keep the prisoners behind bars!). As Paul and Silas discerned what the man was about to do, Paul called out to the jailor, “Do not harm yourself. We are all here.” Shocked at everything that happened that night, the jailor asked Paul and Silas, “Men, what must I do to be saved?” (Acts 23:23). Given this blessed opportunity, Paul and Silas were able to baptize the jailor and all his family as well as bring the gospel to many others in Philippi.
Throughout the Bible, people who were in tune with God were presented with precious moments of amazing grace. Filled with the Holy Spirit, they performed miracles, exorcised demons, saved souls, and changed countless lives. Even when they were in trouble, in threat of death, at their lowest point, suffering sickness, or reeling with pain, they were able to advance the Kingdom and bring God’s grace to the moment.
Don’t ever think you can’t make a difference. Even at your lowest point, God can present you with opportunities to bring healing, love, peace, and salvation to another! You never know when one of those “holy moments” will come along.
In the 1960’s and 1970’s, various spiritual renewals broke out in California. Most centered-on Zen Buddhism or were based on cult heroes. However, a Christian spiritual renewal also took shape in those days. It was called the Jesus Movement. Thousands of people came to Christ from the Jesus Movement. One of those who accepted Christ was Lonnie Frisbee. Many thought Lonnie would never do such a thing. As a drug dealer and drug user, he was considered lost by most church people. And yet, in a time in his life when he was at a particular low, he came to a Jesus Movement gathering and was saved. Less than a year later, people were shocked when Lonnie began to reach out with the gospel to drug users and drug dealers, urging them to change their ways and accept Jesus Christ as Lord. When Lonnie died, some say more than a thousand lost souls were saved by Lonnie alone, forever linked to our Lord Jesus Christ.
Jesus saves a soul while on the cross. Peter and Silas saved souls while in jail. A drug dealer at his lowest point is saved. In turn, he saves thousands of other lost souls. You never know when God will use you to bring grace, forgiveness, healing, or salvation to a soul nearby. All you have to do is be on alert for God’s gracious hand and the presence of the Holy Spirit.
That first Easter is one more way God made a blessing out of a low point. Jesus was murdered on that cross. He was placed in a tomb. The Jewish Authorities thought they had silenced Jesus. The disciples were grieving. Followers were scattering. When all seemed lost, Jesus was raised from the dead. God brought life in the midst of death.
You never know what God will do when things get difficult, do you? Watch for the Holy Spirit. Watch for God’s hand in a holy moment. Jesus is still saving souls. God is still redeeming lives and bringing healing when all seems lost! Hallelujah!
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Oh Heavenly Father, thank You for that empty tomb on the first Easter morning! The world was greatly blessed when You raised Jesus from the dead. This resurrection story continues to change lives for the better. Your saving grace continues to be shared. The gospel continues to inspire every generation.
Because of what you did on Easter long ago, dear Father, You have rescued me from a life of sin and regret. Working through Jesus, You have inspired me to be faithful. Your Holy Spirit continues to direct my steps and feed my soul.
Today, I promise again to obey Your Word. Because of Jesus Christ, I ask for forgiveness. Cleanse my heart from sin. Let me be a bearer of Your truth. Let me be a faithful light in this fallen world. Use me to save souls, rescue the lost, unburden the weary, and be kind to the needy.
Because of You, because of Easter, out of respect, I consider myself one of the chosen who has accepted the call to believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior. Amen.