SAFE!!!
Do you remember where you were when the Chicago Cubs won the World Series in 2016? I was at my parent's house, watching the game with my dad. It was a long game. Towards the end, my dad said, "Chris, I'm getting tired. I'm going to call it a night." I replied, "Okay Daddy, I'll let you know who wins." Five minutes later, the pitch was thrown, a short jab of the bat and Cleveland was headed to first base. I was on the edge of my seat, thinking to myself, get him out!
Next thing I knew, I was jumping up and down, yelling, "Oh my gosh!" as my dad came out of my parent's room, joyously yelling, "did you see that?!" We exchanged high-fives and a fist bump as we watched the celebration unfold.
Funny thing, in baseball, when you're out, you're out and when you're safe, you're safe. But not so when it comes to Jesus Christ and the gift of Salvation. You can be declared out, but by the gift of Grace, the Lord declares you safe!
The Criminal on The Cross (Luke 23:26-43)
Jesus finally made it to Golgotha, the Mountain of Skulls. The place where prisoners faced the consequences of their crimes by way of crucifixion. Although Jesus was not alone that day, He was accompanied by two criminals whose crimes were unknown.
One criminal joined in with the hackers and soldiers yelling at Jesus, taunting Him saying, "If you are the Christ save yourself and us!" (Luke 23:39). The other criminal interjected rebuking his fellow criminal by saying, "Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation. And we indeed justify for we receive the due reward of our deeds, but this Man has done nothing wrong. Then he said to Jesus, 'Lord, remember me when You come into Your Kingdom'." (Luke 23:40-42).
In response, Jesus said to him, "Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise." (Luke 23:43). At that very moment, the criminal was safe. The criminal was out for the count, headed to wait for judgment day only to be judged again. Spending eternity condemned.
So why was this criminal, who was once declared out, punishable by death, declared safe, and given the gift of life? the criminal did three things:
Recognized he was a sinner and in need of a savior.
Recognized, believed, and confessed Jesus was King.
Accepted Jesus as His Lord and Savior by asking Jesus to remember him when Jesus were to come into His Kingdom. (Romans 10:9-10)
The story of the criminal (thief) on the cross gives us the very picture of how simple it is to receive Salvation - the forgiveness of sins, the gift of God's Grace (Ephesians 2:8-10).
No matter what we have done in the past, whether we have many years on earth, or whether it be our last dying wish, or our last act of surrender the criminal's story should encourage us. We are encouraged by this story that no matter where we are in life, when we decide to accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior we are forgiven of our sins. The Lord remembers them no more (Hebrews 8:12). We are free. We are made righteous. We are made new. (John 8:36; Romans 5:1-2; 2 Corinthians 5:17). Most importantly, we are Safe!
The only caution I have is to not wait until you are done "living your life". A life in Christ is just as exciting. And yes, we will have trials and tribulations, but we can take heart because Jesus has overcome the world (John 16:33).
If you hear His voice or feel Him tugging on your heart, harden not your heart and respond to the call (Hebrews 3:12 and 15). Receive freedom today so you may continue to enjoy your life. For we do not know when our time will come. It's always better to be safe than sorry, and I believe the criminal on the cross knew that as well.
Whether you are saved or not, I encourage you to take a moment and seek God. If you know Him and have received Salvation, ask Him to give you a fresh revelation of who He is and who He is to you. If you do not know Jesus and want to receive Jesus as your Lord and Savior, please read about the Gospel of Jesus Christ by clicking HERE. Or you may click HERE and say the prayer of Salvation.
If you are unsure, I encourage you to check out a church streaming their service online. Download the YouVersion App (there are studies for the curious and new believer). Ask believers you may know (family, friends, co-workers) about Jesus, faith, religion, etc. And of course keep reading Living The Uncommon Life, as I pray it encourages you to seek God more and encourage you in your daily life.
Until next time, Be Encouraged and have a blessed week!
