DEVOTION ~ AT THE LORD'S CROSS
39 Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, “If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us.” 40 But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, “Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.” 42 Then he said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” 43 And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”
To most people, Easter has become an annual tradition or ritual that must be observed in the church without giving it significant spiritual thought. That's exactly what happened the day the Lord was crucified with the two criminals. On one side of the cross is blasphemy while on the other penitence is on display. How do you embrace Easter? The blasphemous required of the Lord to save Himself and the suffering world while the penitent sees grace speaking; “Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.” At the cross of salvation, what's in your heart? Do you feel God isn't doing much or enough in your life? If that is your thought, then you are not different from the criminal that blasphemed the Lord. However, if you approach the cross to seek the Lord's saving grace, then you will desire His Kingdom first and He shall bless you with other things.
PRAYER: Holy God, You have opened our ears to hear Your Word and our lips to proclaim Your truth: Open our eyes this day to see in the cross the revelation of Your love; through Jesus the crucified, to whom with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, be honour and praise, now and forever. Amen! (The Worship Source Book)
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