The Promise of HeavenSample

Day One: The Promise

Many years ago, an ancient King wrote the following, “He (God) has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart. . . " (Ecclesiastes. 3:11, NIV; emphasis added). Thus, the ques­tion of what will happen at the end of this life is something that you and I were created to ponder. Something that I contemplated early in life.

Although I can’t remember my exact age, I recall being in my maternal grandmother’s kitchen and thinking of a Bible passage referred to as the “thief on the cross.” It’s the account of the crucifix­ion of Jesus of Nazareth who was executed alongside two criminals. A physician named Luke recorded the episode which included a very special promise. He wrote, “Then he (one of the criminals) said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:42-43, NIV; emphasis added).

That day in Grandma’s Kitchen, I remember thinking about the promise Jesus gave the one criminal, "today you will be with me in paradise.” I remember how those eight words caused me to feel envious of that man. Perhaps it sounds strange to have a sense of envy toward someone who experienced a violent execution. That’s understandable. But instead of focusing on the pain this man endured, I was captivated by Jesus’ promise. His words gave this man the guarantee that upon his death he would be with Jesus in heaven forever.

At the time, I was unaware that you could be sure of your eternal destiny. Wasn’t that based on a post-death performance review of your life by God? Therefore, to learn that someone could have the promise of going to heaven piqued my interest. Fortunately, later in life, I realized that Jesus was offering me the same promise. And He’s offering it to you.

In the days ahead we’ll unfold this account recorded by Luke. An event where one of the men dying next to Jesus received “the promise of heaven.” Before doing so, it’s important to explore the response of the other man being crucified. Sadly, his remarks indicate that he failed to comprehend who Jesus is and the promise he offers. He thus forfeited what Jesus would have willingly given him as well.

Ecclesiastes 3:11
Luke 23:32-43
John 3:16-18