Warriors Arise: April 18, 2022
Luke 23:32-43 (NKJV) There were also two others, criminals, led with Him to be put to death. 33 And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right hand and the other on the left. 34 Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” And they divided His garments and cast lots. 35 And the people stood looking on. But even the rulers with them sneered, saying, “He saved others; let Him save Himself if He is the Christ, the chosen of God.” 36 The soldiers also mocked Him, coming and offering Him sour wine, 37 and saying, “If You are the King of the Jews, save Yourself.” 38 And an inscription also was written over Him in letters of Greek, Latin, and Hebrew: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS. 39 Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, “If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us.” 40 But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, “Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.” 42 Then he said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” 43 And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”
Where do you turn when you are in your darkest hour?
1. Do you respond as the first criminal? Challenging God to prove Himself and His power? If You really have the power, then don't just save Yourself; but save me! Get me out of my consequences, so I can continue with life the way I want to. The first criminal didn't want to be forgiven. He had no remorse for whatever he had done to deserve to be up on that cross.
2. Do you respond as the second criminal? You know who God is, what He has done and what He can do? You know God is innocent, about helping the people and having compassion. The second criminal obviously has heard Jesus speak or the very least heard from people who have heard Jesus and seen Him release kingdom power. Because there is no doubt in what he believes about Jesus. He believes Jesus has done nothing wrong to earn this crucifixion. He believes Jesus to be Lord. He believes Jesus will be going to His kingdom.
When you are in your darkest hour do you despise God for the situation you have gotten yourself into or do you own up to the mess your have gotten into? The first criminal responded according to what he saw was happening to Jesus right then. He thinks Jesus isn't doing anything; therefore, He must not be who He says He is. So many times we see God as we are. The first criminal is a sinner and intends to keep sinning. He knows he has done wrong; therefore, this man beside him must be pulling one big lie. He was blinded by his calloused lifestyle of sin that he couldn't see the opportunity right beside him.
The second criminal, may have been praying for this very moment. He had been captured and imprisoned. He had been before the courts and sentenced. How would he ever be forgiven for what he has done when he can't get to Jesus? How would a sinner like himself ever get close enough to Jesus to get the freedom he desired? Here he is being challenged with everything he has heard of Jesus, knowing the miracles He has performed, knowing the compassion He has given, and knowing what they are doing to Jesus is not right. What he has heard of Jesus and what he is seeing take place before him and yet he chooses to believe Jesus is the King of the Jews. Jesus will be going to His kingdom and he asks for Jesus to remember him when he gets there.
Which way do you respond when you are faced with your darkest hour?
Father, the world cannot understand Jesus giving up His life. The world doesn't understand why we celebrate Your Son and the sacrifice He made for us to be clean from our sin, live as overcomers here on earth and one day with You in heaven. I pray I would not think You are doing nothing. I pray I would not join the crowd who doesn't know what they are saying or doing. I pray I respond with declaring who You are, what You have done and be bold enough to ask You to remember me. You are my King and I will honor You by believing You are working all things out for my good. You have conquered sin and hell. You are the reigning King and I will honor You. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.
A Warrior in the Lord’s Army,
Veridee Joy Hand
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