Red-Letter Dayናሙና

When Jesus was crucified on the cross, two criminals were placed on both sides of Him and were also crucified. These two men were likely the lowest of the low, as crucifixion was typically reserved as punishment for what was considered the bottom of society such as slaves. In one of the most powerful moments of the crucifixion, one of the criminals asks Jesus to remember him when he comes into His kingdom. Jesus responds, “I tell you the truth you will be with me in paradise.” This moment illustrates one of the most important truths in life and corrects one of the biggest misunderstandings in the world today, which is that only good people go to heaven. This story shows us good people don’t go to heaven, but forgiven people go to heaven. The Bible tells us that none of us are good people. Only God is good, and all of us fall short of His goodness.

There two things about the forgiven criminal that we can apply to our lives. The first is, the forgiven one admits wrong. It’s not easy to admit when you’ve done wrong, but you must realize that if you’ve done one wrong thing in God’s eyes, your sin has separated you from Him. The second thing is, the forgiven one asks for eternal help. The reality is, all of us are one of the two thieves. Some are like the one thief who admitted his wrong, asked for forgiveness, and as a result have been forever transformed. Some are like the other thief who wasn’t forgiven and are living in bondage to sin. Which thief are you like?

Take time today to fully evaluate your life and identify any sin that may be separating you from God. Take that sin to God in prayer. Admit it and ask for forgiveness. Do it today. Don’t wait another minute.