"Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.''" Luke 23:42,43 NIV
Earlier this year, Deena Kastor stepped up to the start line of the Tokyo Marathon in hopes of garnering a sub 2:45 Olympic Trials qualifying time. And for the first half of the race, Kastor said everything was going to plan until another runner accidentally shoved her from behind causing her to fall to the ground, "I was pretty shaken by it," she said. "I knew I had to get up and keep going." Which she did until mile 20 when she was knocked to the ground again by an oblivious runner reentering the race course from the side. And while she didn't get the time she was going for, she was happy that she finished the race despite the mishaps.
And you know, when it comes to finishing strong despite mishaps and falls, the Bible tells us about two criminals who each had a choice after experiencing significant ‘falls’ in life. Both had hit rock bottom and were being punished for their crimes by being crucified alongside Jesus (who had done nothing wrong). One criminal chose to join the people who were mocking Jesus while the other pleaded for mercy saying, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." And because of that humble and desperate plea for forgiveness, Jesus answered him and said, “Truly, I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.'"
Don't you just love that story? It's further proof that a person can finish strong no matter how they might have started the race, what sins they might have committed along the way, or how far away they may have drifted off course. You see, Jesus invites every sinner to come to repentance (even in the final hour) that they, too, might be with Him in paradise one day.
Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that your forgiveness and mercy are greater than anything we could ever imagine. For the person who has lost all hope and feels as if they can never be forgiven and welcomed into an eternity with You, I pray they will desperately and sincerely cry out to You today and allow You to restore them and give them the peace they so desperately need. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.
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