Listen

When they arrived at the place called The Skull, they crucified him, along with the criminals, one on his right and the other on his left.

One of the criminals hanging next to Jesus insulted him: “Aren’t you the Christ? Save yourself and us!”

Responding, the other criminal spoke harshly to him, “Don’t you fear God, seeing that you’ve also been sentenced to die? We are rightly condemned, for we are receiving the appropriate sentence for what we did. But this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”

Jesus replied, “I assure you that today you will be with me in paradise.”

Luke 23:33, 39-43

Think

Even in your darkest hour, God is with you. No matter what terrible decision you might have made or whatever awful behavior you might have done, God will never forsake you. Think of the criminal on the cross who said he was “rightly condemned” because of his crime. “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom,” he cries out. Jesus promises that he will be with him in paradise.

The son of God, Jesus Christ, came in flesh and blood, living and dying for the sake of salvation of all God’s children. You can find hope even in the end that the love of God is aways making more room for everyone in this life and the next.

Erica Whitaker

Pray

God, my refuge, come to me in my hour of need.

Remind me of your saving love that is always available to me no matter what I do, what I say, or how I behave.

Give me assurance today that I can rest in your eternal arms of peace.

Amen.

Go

Take courage.

Trust in the Lord.

God is your refuge.