Now one of the criminals hanging there reviled Jesus, saying, “Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us.” The other, however, rebuking him, said in reply, “Have you no fear of God, for you are subject to the same condemnation? And indeed, we have been condemned justly, for the sentence we received corresponds to our crimes, but this man has done nothing criminal.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” He replied to him, “Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”
Luke 23: 39-43
I have experienced paradise on earth in a number of wonderful places: hiking Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park, snorkeling amongst eel and sea turtles and many colorful and unusual fish on the big island of Hawaii, seeing breathtaking views of Mt. McKinley in Alaska, watching the sunrise from high up on 17,887′ Popocatepetl in Mexico…But nothing compares to walking with Jesus here and now. While an eternal paradise in heaven of incomparable beauty remains unseen to us from earth, we can have glimpses into it in our daily lives. Jesus calls us to step into that paradise now one day at a time. Deep calls to deep as He draws us further into the great love He has for us. This One who hung on the cross to bear our sin and shame promises streams of living waters flowing from our hearts, life abundant, peace that passes all understanding, joy deep within the soul..this is paradise here and now.
In the humility of the cross one thief found paradise. Yes I believe in the pains of our own lives we can find paradise through Jesus also. Jesus, remember me, Jesus, remember us. He does, for we are the ones He came to the cross for.
“Lord, no sin, no wrong done, nothing, absolutely nothing can separate anyone of us from you, when we accept, believe, and trust in the sacrifice of your son Jesus. Jesus, you are the Savior of the whole world!”
Scott for Wellspring Copyright 2008
