A Fresh Start

VERSES: There were also two others, criminals, led with Him to be put to death. And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right hand and the other on the left. Then Jesus said, “Father forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” ……..

…….. Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, “If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us.” But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, “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.” Then he said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.” Luke 23:32-34,39-43 (NKJV)

In the verses we see the infinite mercy of Jesus, the Son of God. Even in the bitter experience of crucifixion, He had the heart to forgive.

Many of us are still carrying the burden of things that we said or did, which we now regret. Some of us may have sinned so much that we would think God would not even look in our direction. But here we see a wretched criminal, under capital punishment for his deeds, receiving entry into Paradise – probably just hours before his death. It’s never too late.

But this might tempt one to think that committing one’s life to Christ is something that can wait. God will accept us even if we commit ourselves to Him on our death beds! But even as we breathe our last, will we look back and see a life of sin? Or a life filled with grace, blessing and fellowship with our Creator? It may not be too late, but does it have to be so late?

For those of us who are walking with the Lord, our lives may still be much less than perfect. We may be struggling with sin and certain weaknesses that hinder us from serving Him the way we should. But the word reminds us: ‘…we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are and was yet without sin.’ (Heb 4:15) ‘If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.’ (1 Jn 1:9)

Whatever be our situation, we can still make a fresh start in Christ.

THOUGHT: When it comes to repenting of our sin and committing all to Jesus, is it worth the wait?

When He stopped

VERSE:And Jesus stopped and said, "Call him {here.}" So they called the blind man, saying to him, "Take courage, stand up! He is calling for you." Throwing aside his cloak, he jumped up and came to Jesus.And answering him, Jesus said, "What do you want Me to do for you?" And the blind man said to Him, "Rabboni, {I want} to regain my sight!"And Jesus said to him, "Go; your faith has made you well." Immediately he regained his sight and {began} following Him on the road. Mark 10:49-52

Two qualities make Bartimaeus, the blind beggar stand out; his persistence and his faith.

I can just imagine this blind beggar who was pretty well informed that Jesus was passing by, was sitting by the road expecting his miracle. He must have just heard of Him through one of his beggar-friends, but he knew one thing, he would get healed if Jesus touched him. He was so persistent even though people(which was his obstacle to the miracle) told him to shut up.His cries of mercy reached Jesus and He stood still or rather stopped.

Put a pause button in the story right there where Jesus stopped for this 'blind beggar' on the road from the resort city of Jericho. You must realise that this blind beggar's persistance made Jesus stop so that he could get his miracle. He was blind but he believed a report that Jesus can heal. He cast his doubts away, was filled with boldness and persistence, and called on Him who healed him.

THOUGHT: Are you persistent to stop Jesus for your miracle today?

All verses have been quoted from the New American Standard Bible, Copyright (c) 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, Calif. All rights reserved.

Pride goes before Destruction

VERSE: Pride {goes} before destruction, And a haughty spirit before stumbling. Prov 16:18

Even if we try to deny the fact that we have been proud, we have been so sometime or the other. The Word of God tells us clearly what happens to the proud: there is destruction coming.

Prov 13:10 says “Through insolence comes nothing but strife, But wisdom is with those who receive counsel”. When we are proud, we refuse to say that we were wrong or that we need advice. Pride is a component of every quarrel. Being humble, allows us to seek counsel and understand that we can be wrong sometimes. The Word has examples of what happens to people with pride. The best example is King Belshazzar, Nebuchadnezzar’s son who had a spirit that was hardened in pride(Dan 5:20) and he was ultimately deposed of his throne. Prov 16:5 says “Everyone who is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD; Assuredly, he will not be unpunished”. By being proud we are telling God that our way is the best and finally denying God’s leadership in our lives. We pay for being proud. So it is time we examine our lives and eliminate pride from lives which can destroy us and rather live with humility like Christ wants us to. Humility is an asset of every successful leader after God’s own heart. They are successful because God leads them.

THOUGHT: Are you being proud at heart and denying God’s leading in your life?

All verses have been quoted from the New American Standard Bible, Copyright (c) 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, Calif. All rights reserved.