A Fear Leading to Salvation
Luke 23:40 But the other answered, and rebuking him said, “Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? …”
Story: He had committed himself to sin, which gave some pleasures. But it was never enough. He kept going, joining with others, but eventually he was arrested, tried, and sentenced to death by crucifixion – a torturous way to die. Next to this thief was Jesus. So when his accomplice in sin on the other cross joined in the abuse of Jesus – hoping that such manipulation would give him an escape from death – the thief made a choice. He would find his escape from death by believing in Jesus. So he spoke up, ‘We deserve death, for we have committed these crimes. But even more, we will stand before God after death. But this man is not like us. He is innocent.’ And so to Jesus, the thief looks for salvation, making a request filled with faith, ‘Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.’
My Prayer Response: Father, I’m amazed at this salvation story. A man who lived his life in crime and without any fear of God is confronted by his sins and repents – while dying on the cross. What was the rest of his time like on the cross, watching his Savior die? Thank You for Your great salvation, to this thief, to me, to so many others. Make me more and more like Jesus so that others would see Him and believe in Him.
May you find your escape from death by believing in Jesus!