Believe

Ex 6-8; Luke 23

Luke 23:40-43

But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? ⁴¹ We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.”⁴² Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” ⁴³ Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

Jesus was crucified on the cross and he was still alive at this point. He was hanging there in pain, suffering the selfishness of His people. Making the ultimate sacrifice that we may live an abundant life. The second criminal hanging next to Jesus symbolizes those that are desperate for Him. That in the lowest point in their life they reach for God and they find Him.

The first criminal who said: ³⁹ One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!”

He symbolizes those that have an encounter with Jesus or hear about Jesus but just don't care. They are set in their selfish ways and think of Jesus as a magic genie. The second criminal in his last hours saw who Jesus really was and reached out to him the only way he could...through desperation.

Jesus listens to our hearts and whats really inside. The first criminal only had selfish desires inside, if he would have been saved from the cross he would have become a criminal again. The second if he would have been saved he would have become a disciple. However, it wasn't for Jesus to save them physically on the cross...but to save them if they believe. The second believed and his heart was right when crying out to Jesus therefore he is in heaven today.

All Jesus wants is for us to believe and reach out to him in our belief. Many things can happen in life that can take us away from the pathway of God and make our belief steer away from the truth but even in those moments Jesus wants us to look at Him and reach out for His love.

Lord,

Thank you for your love and belief in me. You believed that i can be more than I think and you make opportunities for me to grow as a follower and disciple. Keep me in the same path so i can keep learning, keep believing, keep loving You.

I forever love you Always