The Cross Still Shines

For Christians, the Cross is a symbol of life. It is the symbol we wear around our necks as jewelry to adorn, on our ears to beautify and even hang on our walls to remind us. We sport the cross on our cars, on clothing, and ball caps. We look for this sign in the skies as clouds form shapes,

There is something so peaceful and calming about the cross, while at the same time a true reminder of the way Christians got their start. The cross shines light on the way Jesus loves the world and why we need to pick up our cross and follow Him.

Eight years ago this text became real to me. Following my baby brother's death, I was asked to read a Scripture passage at his memorial service. Now, if you knew my brother you would be familiar with his story - a true prodigal - who once was lost and then was found. Mark's story is testimony to the power of the cross.

I used my brother's Bible to read text which was marked on the pages that were found open. I could see Mark in the words of one of the thieves hanging next to Jesus. The criminal who rebuked his counterpart with the words, "We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve."

I know that my brother was greeted by Jesus with, "today you will be with me in paradise." There is peace in these words, there is hope in these words, but mostly there is love.


Luke 23:32-43

Lost and Found Department

Luke 23:42-43 (NIV) 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."

Often when I prepare to write the blog post for Daily Bible Blast I will open my Bible to the passages selected for the day and see that I have notes and or dates written in the margins.  Luke 23:35-43 contains the remark, "Read at Mark's memorial, 4/1/08."  Mark was my younger brother, a prodigal son like many of us, who ran away from home but returned. He was a missing son who was found.

We hear these words read as Good Friday approaches.  We read them, nod in our heads that we heard them, but unless we have experienced them, they quickly fade. I am learning that Scripture really is 'living and active' (Hebrews 4:12).  Reading God's Word is one thing, breathing it in, is another. We may go for years reading the Words of God, we may memorize and recognize verses when they are read, but until we experience them for ourselves, put them in our hearts, we won't identify like we could.

The wise criminal hanging next to Jesus understood Jesus didn't deserve the punishment mete out, while the two of them did; like we do. The story of the compassion and love Jesus gave this New Believer is still told today, more than 2000 years later.

The effects of this one act of kindness wrapped up in forgiveness and a beautiful invitation to "be with me in paradise," is the real Good News our world needs.  It is the Good News each one of us can believe. "For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found." (Luke 15:24)

Luke 23:32-43

All Saints' Day focus - Luke 23:32-43

With Me in Paradise

We are right back to our discussion from Monday about believing and exhibiting faith. The story of the two criminals on crosses alongside Jesus is thought provoking. But, I have to admit I have not given them much consideration until now. What was the difference in these two men? Why did one ridicule and reject Jesus and the other man defend and deify Him. This is curious at the very least.

There is probably quite a story behind both these men, but anything I list here would be pure fiction and we are striving for truth. So, the truth is some will embrace Jesus and some will not. The wonderful fact here is Jesus will embrace each and every one of us when we turn to Him. Hence, His words below add power to this statement.

Luke 23:42-43 (NIV)
“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."

How does this story tie in to All Saint’s Day focus? We get to witness the forgiving love and grace of our LORD in this account. One man, a criminal who has earned a death sentence for his actions, has eyes to see truth. This man humbled himself and swallowed all pride to exclaim Jesus’ innocence while conceding his own guilt. The other man was bitter merciless. One can only imagine his crimes.

That said, both men had opportunity but only one had courage to confess and ask Jesus to remember him. Both men saw Jesus, but only one recognized Him. That man is most certainly with Him in paradise.

Read Luke 23:32-43 here

Listen to Luke 23:32-43 here

Luke 23:32-43

Even death cannot separate us from the love of Christ.  What an amazing statement and one I draw comfort from.  This week as we prepare for the celebration of All Saint's Sunday we are drawn to the cross.  If not for the cross there would be no joy in this world, no hope at the death of a loved one.  It is because of the cross I was able to praise God and sing following my husband's death.

Do you have a similar experience?  These are the stories we are called to share with the world.  People who do not know Jesus cannot have the same peace Christians hold in their hearts.  This fact does not make the life/death struggle any easier.  It simply gives us a reason to move forward, because we know we will be reunited again.  These are empty words to the world; meaningless noise that only fills the dead air.

Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

The words above are just what I need to hear.  The words above fill my heart with hope that life has a purpose and we are all part of that purpose - that amazing plan.  What will fill your heart this Sunday, as the names of the faithful are read aloud?  Tears may fill the eyes, but peace will fill the hearts of the faithful followers.

Read the Luke 23:32-43 text here.  Listen to the text here.