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?