HEAL - God's Heart for Healing in Lukeنموونە

“You Can’t Earn What He Gives”

We learn that there were two criminals who were also hanged on the same day as Jesus. They must have been hung in close proximity to be able to hear each other’s words even in their state of indescribable pain. This gruesome scene must have been even more horrific than any movie could ever depict. One of the criminals “hurled” insults to Jesus and seemed to mock him with his last breaths. The other criminal feared God, believed that Jesus was from God, and asked to be a part of His kingdom. Immediately, Jesus granted his request and declared by His words that the man would be with Him in paradise.   

Obviously, it was not physically possible for this criminal to right any wrongs or to have done anything of his own accord to earn citizenship into God’s kingdom. He was dying on a tree as a criminal, yet he gained full citizenship in the Kingdom of God because of his belief in Jesus. That’s the way we receive Jesus’s gifts–by believing what He has said in His Word.  

An encounter with Jesus always demands a response…either a “yes” or a “no,” just like was depicted at the crucifixion. If we choose “yes,” He bestows citizenship upon us. Once we’re citizens of His kingdom, we must learn through His Word about all the rights and privileges of being in His kingdom in order to take full advantage of them. Thank goodness we don’t get what we deserve; we simply accept His gifts based upon His works!

QUESTIONS:

1. Have I said “yes” to belief in Jesus?
2. Am I taking full advantage of the privileges of being a citizen of His kingdom?
3. Am I thankful for all that He’s done for me?