The Promise of HeavenSample

Day Two: Near and Far

I live in a nation where churches dot the landscape and crosses appear almost anywhere. The symbols depict how Jesus can be very near while our hearts remain far from him (Matthew 15:8). In essence, this represents one of the men crucified alongside Jesus who spoke to him first and said, “. . . Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” (Luke 23:39, NIV). What might we learn from his words?

For one thing, it’s evident that this man wanted to escape the pain of his execution along with his impending death, and who could blame him? His life was ebbing away and distractions such as work, pleasure, entertainment, and religious activities could no longer enable him to avoid thinking about the inevitable. Sadly, in his desperation, he approached Jesus through the lens of “this life only.” Like an athlete looking for a competitive edge, a person seeking employment, or a desperate cry for healing, this man viewed Jesus as someone to help him in the “here and now”. After all, wasn’t Jesus known for doing an abundance of miracles (John 20:31 and 21:25)?

Rest assured, God is aware of every detail in your life and mine (Psalm 139:1-3). He also desires to come alongside those created in His image. He’s available and willing to provide comfort, guidance, support, and strength, moment by moment—but it doesn’t end there. A much larger perspective exists. A permanent one. A perspective of great benefit in this life and the one to come. As the Apostle Paul wrote, “If we have put our hope in Christ for this life only, we should be pitied more than anyone” (1 Cor. 15:19, CSB). Consequently, this man didn’t understand the larger eternal perspective. He was very near to Jesus but missed him and the forgiveness and eternal life that could have been his.

While it’s tragic that the one man responded with a demand, the other criminal had a different response. As time went on, this man began to realize there was hope. An awareness that emerged as he began to recognize the love of Jesus. A recognition that may have occurred when he heard Jesus pray.

Psalm 139: 1-16
1 Corinthians 15:12-19