“One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: "Aren't you the Christ? 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 him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise." Luke 23:39-43
Who were the criminals crucified with Jesus? Some think they were part of Barabbas' gang, captured and condemned at the same time, others believe that their political tendencies drove them into crucifixion. But apart from that, it seems quite probable that these two men had had many things in common, such as childhood, life-style, resentments against the society, among others. Then, how was it possible that they could react in such a different way at that time?
They were facing an unavoidable moment full of cruelty and despair where no-one seemed to be able to help, however, one of them perceived something different that made him see the Lord jointly crucified with him and faithfully believe that He was the only way to restoration and salvation.
Reflect for a moment on a painful situation in your life and how you went through it. Did you realize that the Lord was always by your side? or you just asked: "Where are you, "powerful God"? doubting and challenging Him instead. I tell you, whatever you did in the past do not let it affect your future, right now the Lord is giving you the great opportunity to handle those times according to his Word, and moreover, to encourage others by your testimony.
Two of the most remarkable men in the Old Testament, Joseph and Job, developed a closer relationship with God after going through a long period of pain and anguish, reaching the end of their lives with much more wisdom and faith than ever.
Martin Luther King Jr. said: “Faith is not a matter of "WHY's" but "WHAT's".
Then I encourage you to transform your WHY’s?:(why is this happening to me?; Why does God do nothing about?), into WHAT’s: What do I need to learn from this experience? What is God trying to tell me? What should I do as a committed Christian?
The right perspective is given by faith as a common denominator, but remember that faith and deeds go together.
Itala D’Ambrosio Silva
Who were the criminals crucified with Jesus? Some think they were part of Barabbas' gang, captured and condemned at the same time, others believe that their political tendencies drove them into crucifixion. But apart from that, it seems quite probable that these two men had had many things in common, such as childhood, life-style, resentments against the society, among others. Then, how was it possible that they could react in such a different way at that time?
They were facing an unavoidable moment full of cruelty and despair where no-one seemed to be able to help, however, one of them perceived something different that made him see the Lord jointly crucified with him and faithfully believe that He was the only way to restoration and salvation.
Reflect for a moment on a painful situation in your life and how you went through it. Did you realize that the Lord was always by your side? or you just asked: "Where are you, "powerful God"? doubting and challenging Him instead. I tell you, whatever you did in the past do not let it affect your future, right now the Lord is giving you the great opportunity to handle those times according to his Word, and moreover, to encourage others by your testimony.
Two of the most remarkable men in the Old Testament, Joseph and Job, developed a closer relationship with God after going through a long period of pain and anguish, reaching the end of their lives with much more wisdom and faith than ever.
Martin Luther King Jr. said: “Faith is not a matter of "WHY's" but "WHAT's".
Then I encourage you to transform your WHY’s?:(why is this happening to me?; Why does God do nothing about?), into WHAT’s: What do I need to learn from this experience? What is God trying to tell me? What should I do as a committed Christian?
The right perspective is given by faith as a common denominator, but remember that faith and deeds go together.
Itala D’Ambrosio Silva
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