Advent Devotional – 12.19.2021
Fred Cox
Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom. And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise. Luke 23:42-43
This has been my favorite set of verses for as long as I can remember. When I was teaching high school Sunday School, I would quote this to my students and, invariably, tear up. The students had heard the story so much that they would generally sigh and roll their eyes. But I think I made a point.
The story embodies how salvation and forgiveness work. The criminal was unable to do anything to save himself. No set of actions could provide him with a path to salvation except to recognize his sins, acknowledge Jesus as the Son of God, and ask for consideration in a dynamic way.
This set of verses helps me understand the gift that Jesus has provided for forgiveness of sins and salvation. Nothing I can do on my own will suffice. This open door that Jesus provides, if we will accept the opportunity, is an unbelievable blessing.