This week, we continue to focus on Jesus’ words while he was being crucified on the cross. One of the two criminals on the crosses next to Jesus “hurled insults at him” (Luke 23:39 NIV). Yet by the grace of God the other criminal recognized that Jesus was innocent and did not deserve to be punished. His words to Christ seem to reveal that he believed that Jesus was the king of a kingdom, death would not be the end for Jesus, and the criminal wanted to be remembered by the one who’s name means, “God saves” (Luke 23:39-42 and Matthew 1:21). Jesus’ reply to him is proof that Christ “came to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10 NIV). Jesus stated, “today you will be with me in Paradise” (Luke 23:43 NRSV). The Greek word for “paradise” in Luke’s gospel means “a garden,” and it can be thought of as a king’s garden. The paradise that Jesus refers to reminds us of the Garden of Eden before Eve and Adam sinned. Before the fall of humanity in the Garden of Eden, humans felt no shame, they had an intimacy with God, and they had no unfulfilled needs (Genesis 2). Death, pain, suffering, sin, and loss were not part of life in Eden when the first human beings walked through the garden with the King of Creation, God Almighty. Jesus ensured the criminal next to him that death was not going to be the end, but instead he would be with the King of Creation in Paradise. Christ can do the same thing for us as well. No matter what we have done, said, thought, or should have done but did not, we can be forgiven if we’ll trust in the one who died for our sins.

 

Jesus’ reply to the thief on the cross reveals that, “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Acts 2:21 NIV). “Everyone” includes those who have waited until their life on earth has almost expired, it includes prodigal sons and daughters, as well as the least, the lost, criminals, and saints. “Everyone” includes you too. Have you placed your faith in Jesus as your Lord, as the source of forgiveness and eternal life, and as your Savior? Everyone who places their trust in Jesus will be saved!

 

 

*For a full version of this Your Faith Journey devotional download the Worship Guide from the Avon UMC website: www.AvonUMC.com

 

The Your Faith Journey Bible verses for this week are listed below:

 

Today I am going to offer God _______________________________________________________.

 

During the worship service God revealed _____________________________________________________________________________________.

 

I am going to respond by ______________________________________________________________________________________________________.

 

Read Genesis 2:4-25.

Listen to “Graves into Gardens” by Elevation Worship either using the link below or typing “Graves into Gardens Elevation Worship” into the YouTube search bar online: www.youtube.com/watch?v=YihKbG8-X3U

Pray in response to the verses and song.

 

Read Revelation 2:7 and Revelation 21:1-4, which are part of Jesus’ message revealed to the apostle John about the eventual restoration of creation.

Listen to “In the Garden” by Alan Jackson either by using the link below or typing “In the Garden Alan Jackson” in the search bar on YouTube:

Pray in response to the verses and song.

 

Read Jesus’ parables in Luke 15.

Read some of the “Come Back Quickly to the Lord” hymn lyrics by Young Taik Chun:

Our Lord waits every day with his doors kept open wide.

He is anxiously waiting for you every day and every night.

The Lord is waiting through the night for a child who has gone astray.

…come back to his open arms,

come back quickly unto the Lord.

Pray for the prodigal children of our heavenly Father, including family members, friends, co-workers, and neighbors who are disconnected from God and his Church. Ask God to give you a desire to seek the lost and to lovingly lead them to Christ.

 

The 40 days of Lent began on Ash Wednesday and will end on Easter Sunday. How are you going to more intentionally focus your thoughts and attention upon Christ during these days? Have you prayed about it?

Jesus fasted for forty days in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11). Have you asked the Lord if he wants you to give up something during this Lenten season? If not, consider praying about it today.

 

Read Luke 19:1-10 and Psalm 25.

Pray using Psalm 25 to help guide your prayer.

 

Listen to “Follow Me” by Casting Crowns either using the link below or typing “Follow Me Casting Crowns” onto the search bar on YouTube:

Read Jesus’ words on the cross from Luke 23:32-43.

Pray in response to Jesus’ words and the song, thanking Christ for forgiveness and the assurance of being with him in paradise.

 

Read Ephesians 2:1-9.

Listen to “Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)” by Chris Tomlin either using the link below or typing “Amazing Grace My Chains Are Gone Chris Tomlin” onto the search bar on YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=KKo3T0j9qqo2/28

Pray in response to God’s amazing grace!

Consider observing the sabbath either today or tomorrow as a time to rest, reflect, and enjoy recreation. The questions below can be used to help with reflecting:

How did I see, hear, or encounter God during this past week?

Who needs to hear about my experience sometime in the coming days?How should I live in response to God’s grace?

How does knowing that I will be with Jesus in paradise by trusting in him impact my thoughts and attitude about death?

 

 

*If you do not have a Bible, consider downloading the YouVersion Bible App for free from the Apple App Store or Google Play for your smartphone or tablet. You can also use www.BibleGateway.com to look up and read various translations of Bible verses online.