Easter Devotional

"... there they crucified Him, along with the criminals ‑ one on His right, the other on His left. Jesus said, 'Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.'.. One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at Him... But the other rebuked him... 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 23:33‑43

Friday

Jesus, weak and nearly unrecognizable from the lashings, could not drag His cross up the rocky path. Help came from a stranger, not His disciples. The women followed in tears, the men scattered.

The last "Annie" production brought cheers, smiles and sweet relief. It delivered everything promised and more. Jesus' last "show" on earth brought the house down, not with cheers but jeers... the people expected more. But, hold on!  The Last Act is yet to come. It will not only bring down the house, but will rip the temple's curtain in two from top to bottom.

 

Even at the very last minute, one criminal chose to acknowledge and accept Christ. One went to paradise, the other didn't. It's all about forgiveness. It's what Jesus was born to do. It's God's greatest gift and sacrifice to man.

We, like the criminals, are either on the right or left side of Jesus. With our speech and/or actions we are denying or accepting Him. God is willing, waiting, and wanting to receive all into His Kingdom.

May the words of Annie also be ours...  I don't need sunshine now to turn my skies to blue...

Just You, Jesus, just You.  Thank You.

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
Happy Easter,

veneal