Today I had the great honor of officiating at my Uncle’s funeral. For as long as I can remember I have been witnessing to him and sharing the gospel with him. Originally, he was indifferent to the gospel, but as time went on he gradually softened, to the point where he was able to believe and develop a saving faith in Christ.
Our attitude towards Jesus and what we do with Jesus in this life will determine what happens with us in the next life. We all need to work out what we will do with Jesus. When Jesus was dying on the Cross, there were two thieves beside him. One cried out and said “Aren’t you the Christ? Save yourself and us!”
But the other criminal rebuked him and said “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve, but this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said “Jesus remember me when you come into your kingdom. Jesus answered him “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:39-43)
This second thief had a revelation from God. He knew that he deserved his punishment, but Jesus was innocent. He also had faith that Jesus could save him. Repentance, humility and recognition, that before a holy God we are sinners in need of a Savior, are vital for eternal salvation.
The second thief respected and revered Jesus. He had faith in Jesus’ ability to lead him into the Kingdom of God. Jesus saw His faith and that was enough to get Him into heaven. What a merciful God we serve, even a sinful man showing repentance and faith in Jesus in the final moments of his life, can enter the Kingdom of God!
The reason Jesus could say to the thief, “Today you will be with me in Paradise” was because He was in the process of paying for this man’s sin. He was in the process of making a way for all of humanity to enter God’s Kingdom. He was not saying anybody and everybody can be saved, but those who place their faith and trust in Him to save them, would be saved. Salvation comes at the price of the Cross, through faith in Christ’s finished work.
The one thief on the cross reacted positively; the other negatively, but whatever way a person reacts they all have a decision to make. Jesus has that effect on people. You may find some people react negatively to you and to the person of Jesus. Jesus said “Blessed are you when people insult you, and persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven.” (Matthew 5:11-12a)
Even Jesus knew that His purpose and His coming to this earth would create a decision point for people. Not everyone will respond positively and when they don’t, Jesus says to rejoice. When we suffer for His sake, there are great rewards in this life and in the next life. God is determined to advance the gospel and the Kingdom and He is a great re-warder of those who pay the price to spread the gospel message.
As believers in Christ, we are His representatives in this world. When we spend time with those who don’t know Christ, it creates a decision point for people. What will they do about Jesus? There is something about the presence of God, in the believer, which challenges people and causes them to consider this question.
I want to encourage you to draw near to Jesus like never before; allow His presence and power to fill your life. He desires to use you to impact many for His Kingdom. Whatever response you receive as you witness to others, remember…you are giving people the opportunity to make a decision about what they will do about Jesus. And that is the most important decision anyone will ever make.
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