3 Men on a Cross

One of the criminals who were hanged there was hurling abuse at Him, saying, "Are You not the Christ? Save Yourself and us!" But the other answered, and rebuking him said, "Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation?  "And we indeed are suffering justly, for we are receiving what we deserve for our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong."  And he was saying, "Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom!"  And He said to him, "Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise." ~ Luke 23:39-43

The best teachers are the ones who are willing to teach no matter how challenging their current situation may be.  I believe the reason Jesus was crucified with two others at the same time was for our sake.  He wanted to offer hope that it is never too late to turn to Him, even when you find yourself at the end of your rope.

Which one of the three men on the cross do you identify with?  Is it the one who refuses to take responsibility for his actions or is it the one who knows he should be punished but turns to Jesus and says, "Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom."

I don't know what trials you are going through right now.  Maybe you feel like you're the one nailed to a cross and you are suffering.  No matter how tough your life may be, be comforted that Jesus remembers who you are — a child of God.  Your day will come when you will be with Him in Paradise.  Let your life be a lesson.  What do you want to teach today?  What you say will be meaningful.  And what you do will be even more meaningful.