Today's Passage - Luke 23:39-43

River of Life Christian Church ︳www.rolcc.net/english Luke 23:39-43   One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: 'Aren't you the Christ? Save yourself and us!'  But the other criminal rebuked him. '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.'   When the Lord was on the cross, all the voices asked Him to come down: Those who were passing by said "He could save others, but can't save himself!"  That's actually true.  If the Lord had saved Himself, then He couldn't have saved others, but people of the world didn't understand it.  Even the robber had the wrong attitude.  First, he was still thinking about himself, so he asked Jesus to save them.  Second, he didn't believe that Jesus was Christ, so he made fun of Jesus: Didn't you say you are Christ?  He didn't believe that Jesus was Christ.  Third, he didn't know about the upcoming judgment, and that salvation of the soul is more important than salvation of the body.  He didn't know that Jesus Christ is the Savior, and the Savior of the soul.    The other robber also faced the same persecution, but had different attitude.  First, he recognized his own sin, so he said "We are punished justly."  Second, he recognized the innocence of Jesus, and believed Christ is the Savior, and that's why he said "this man has done nothing wrong" and they got what they deserved.  Third, he believed in the judgment that is coming, so he asked the Lord to remember him when His Kingdom comes.  Fourth, he believed Jesus Christ will resurrect from death and His Kingdom will come.  Fifth, he firmly believed that Jesus could save him.  What a faith he had!   This robber really knew the Lord, which is quite amazing, because how could he have known so much about the truth?  If it wasn't for the wisdom given by God, how could he have known?  How did he know that Jesus will resurrect from death, and that the death of Jesus was not to enter into a tomb, but rather into His Kingdom?  It's only possible because of God.  We can understand, believe and depend on these truths and to live by them only because of the wisdom from heaven.  Jesus said, "today you will be with me in paradise."  "Paradise" is the place where believers in the Lord go to after they pass away, and when the Lord returns our bodies will resurrect and be with the Lord forever.  Lord said that "today you will be with me in paradise," and it will take place today, not in the future.  If you put your trust in the promise of the Lord, His grace will come upon you today!    Pray with Pastor Tong           Lord, I thank you because you died for us so that today we can enjoy all the precious promises that you have made.  Please give us strength today just like how you gave the robber the promise for salvation at your time.  I thank you and I pray in the victorious name of Jesus, amen!