Week of March 31, 2023

“And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right hand and the other on the left.” (Luke 23:33, NKJV)

Easter is just around the corner, so I want to share an interesting story that took place on the day that Christ was crucified. To the left of Jesus, on a cross, was a robber and a rebel, but that is not the worst that can be said about him. This man also had no remorse, even though the savior of sinners was hanging beside him. So, that man died unsaved.

To the right of Jesus was another robber and rebel on a cross. He was no better than the other robber and rebel to the left of Jesus. He, though, representing guilt for sin and repentance, gained eternal life that day. This criminal cast himself upon the mercy and love of Jesus. He confessed his guilt, so Jesus said, “today, you will be with me in Heaven.” That promise is made to anyone and everyone who will drink from the river of grace.

There is a valuable lesson to be learned here by the man on the cross to the left of Jesus. That man reminds us that we can live in close proximity to the Savior and still go unsaved. God has provided a river of grace to whosoever will, but if you do not drink from that river you will die of thirst from a spiritual standpoint.

God Bless, Pastor Rick