The thief on the cross … and what a difference a day makes

That could very well be the biggest understatement of the history of all understatements!

Luke 23:39-43 says,

“One of the criminals hanging beside him scoffed, “So you’re the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself—and us, too, while you’re at it!” But the other criminal protested, “Don’t you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die? We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn’t done anything wrong.”Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.” And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with Me in paradise.”

If you’re like me, you have a list with names of family members, friends, and acquaintances who you’re praying for to receive Jesus as their Lord and Savior while there’s still time.

May today’s passage be an encouragement to all of us to never ever give up on God’s miracle working power to save those who are lost.

1 Timothy 2:3-4 says,

“This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth.”

Even though we only know him by the title “The other criminal,” can you imagine the eternal joy he’s experiencing right now due to his trust in Jesus literally moments before his death?!