Even while writhing in sin, there’s not a call upon God. The Book of Revelation reminds us that in a day still future, when it will become ap parent that God is visiting the earth in judgment, that men still repent not of “murders, use of drugs, forni cations, or thefts.” The only answer, as this believing thief discovered, is a personal reception of the Saviour. It is following these gracious words that the Passion account moves into darkness and the words which follow reveal the obedience of the Son to the will of the Father. How beautiful it is to see the spiritual progress of the repentant thief! He began by recognizing the blamelessness of the Lord. This pro gressed to an acceptation of him as Jesus — the one who saves. Then he moved on to the fact of His Mes- siahship — the one who comes to His Kingdom. As a Jew, he had come as far as his knowledge of the Old Testament Scriptures would permit him. His faith in the presentation of Christ as he knew it had come to fruition. And it was at this point that he moved beyond the limitation of his Jewish viewpoint. He spoke of the time when Jesus would come in His Kingdom. Jesus instead spoke to him of “today.” Though the Lord had said nothing prior about para dise, there was a belief and a con cept of it among the Jews. To this penitent criminal, his concept of ex piation for sin would be found in his death. As many have noted the prayer: “Let my death by the ex piation of my sins,” is still used by the Jews. But Jesus will have none of this. Salvation is granted through his grace and that alone.
Word Thre by Dr. Glenn O’Neal W hen the L ord was go ing through the agony of giving His life for the world, it is touching that He would be concerned for the physical care of the one who had given Him physical life. In John 19: 16 we read His words of comfort, “Woman, behold thy son! Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy moth er ! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home.” Our Lord could have arranged for Mary’s care long before the cross. But this timing added emphasis to His love for her. John, the beloved disciple, was given this honor. John was the one known to love the Lord. He would naturally love His mother. In a much larger sense, the Lord is looking for those who will care for those born into His family as they receive Him as personal Saviour. There are many who need our help today. Let's take some examples from John to see what is necessary if we’re to be used in a similar manner in helping others. First of all, John was close to the cross. Peter, in his earlier confession, had declared that he would follow the Lord even to His death. He demonstrated his zeal by wielding the sword in the Saviour’s defense. But where was Peter now? Probably too far off to hear any com mand which might be given. John identified himself with those who were known to be close to the Lord, even His mother. To be used of the Lord, you too must accept the re proach of the cross. Paul said, “I am determined to know nothing among you save Jesus Christ and Him cru cified.” Christ chose John who had a heart of love similar to that of His own. The Lord was on the cross in our interest and John knew it. Those who are followers of the Lord ought to
The time to pray the hardest is when it’s hardest to pray. Men are religious naturally. They are Christians supernaturally. 6
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