Plan Two: The Fear of the Lord Is…Намуна

THE FEAR OF THE LORD HELPS BRING US TO SALVATION

“Salvation is near those who fear Him [God].”

Jesus did not die alone. The Romans saw fit to place two criminals on either side of Him at Golgotha. One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” But the other criminal rebuked him, “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus answered, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

What a contrast! Two criminals. The first was spiteful, angry, hateful, and cursing. He was mad at the Roman criminal justice system that was now executing him. He was scheming to the bitter end by hurling insults and taunts at Jesus to entice him to use his “powers” to free all three of them.

The other criminal acknowledged his guilt; he admitted that his crimes were deserving of death. He had already heard Jesus say those incredible words as he hung on the cross, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” He had marveled at what kind of man could say such things. He recognized that of the three of them undergoing crucifixion, Jesus was being treated unjustly.

Two criminals. Suffering for the same crime. Receiving the same punishment, but each had different reactions to the man who hung between them. Why? Because one of them feared God and the other did not. Although both had chosen to live a life of crime, one had been taught, probably early in his life, right from wrong, good from evil, and forewarned of the consequences of sinful actions. One had probably been raised by God-fearing parents who instilled a fear of God and taught him that God was just and merciful.

On the cross, one remembered what he had been taught years before, humbled himself, and admitted his guilt. He did not ask Jesus to forgive him; he could only bring himself to ask Jesus to remember him when he came into His kingdom. Yet, Jesus saw his humility, forgave him, and granted him eternal salvation.