Unlimited: With Me in Paradise
Oct 29, 2019 1666
Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43, NIV).
The thief saw in the “felon” next to him – who was almost at his last gasp – the King of Kings and Lord of Lords who would survive the tomb and return to usher in a kingdom such as humanity has never known.
More than that, this One would rescue from death all who had come to know him as Saviour and Friend. What good news is that!
The thief who hung on a cross beside the dying Jesus is typical of all those Jesus came to save: this man acknowledged that he had nothing to offer, except a sin-polluted heart.
What a gracious answer was received! An immediate answer! An answer full of hope and wonder! Even in the darkness and dread of that awful hour, the Saviour whispers of the glory to come for the thief, telling him, not only of the wondrous place that would be his eternal home, but also of the even more wondrous company he would have there: “You will be with Me in Paradise.”
“You will be” – others thought he would soon not be, but Christ assures him of survival beyond the grave – of immortality.
“With Me,” surely the best part of heaven will be fellowship with him who loved us and gave himself for us.
“In Paradise” – the Eden forfeited by the first sinners is to be restored, more magnificent than ever.
– Des Ford (adapted)
Eli’s Reflection: Just as Jesus’ grace abounds for the thief; it abounds for you. One day, if you believe, you will surely be in heaven with Jesus, who is our prize. How does this affect what you think about heaven?
Blessing
Oct 31, 2019
Heaven is a wonderful place to be,where there will be no sorrow,sadne as,mourning,but a place of everlasting joy where there is no more death,but alive in christ.may the Lord us help to make heaven and give us the grace to run the race.