Mercy for Sinners

“One of the criminals…blasphemed Him, saying, ‘If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us.’ But the other, answering, rebuked him…‘We receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.’…‘Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.’” Luke 23:39-43 NKJV

A man was hanging on a cross, being crucified for his mistakes. The Bible calls him a “criminal,” but the Greek word actually means a “worker of evil.” We don’t know his crime, but his deeds must have been so evil that he was deemed worthy of the painful death of crucifixion.

He recognized that he was receiving “the due rewards” for his deeds. Yet, when a second criminal “blasphemed” Jesus, this man defended Him. Even though his situation appeared hopeless, the man turned to Jesus and asked for help, calling out, “Lord…Remember me when You come into Your kingdom.”

Yet when he cried out, Jesus assured him, “Today you will be with Me in Paradise.” He was giving him something better than just temporary help; Jesus gave him eternal life! All because he asked and had faith.

Many times we can feel that our situation is hopeless. We can be conscious of our own mistakes, and feel so overwhelmed by our sins that we don’t feel we deserve God’s mercy. That we never can be truly forgiven. But if Jesus could forgive this condemned “worker of evil,” certainly He can hear and forgive us.

Today, you may face situations that seem hopeless. You may be overwhelmed with fear, anxiety, or worry. You may have made mistakes that seem unforgivable. But God gives you the opportunity to start anew, to be forgiven and renewed. Jesus has died for you. He is ready to hear your prayers, and set you free.

Prayer: Father, I commit these problems to You: ___________. Thank You for forgiveness. Please give me a new beginning. I commit my life to You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.