Prayer Focus-Remember Me

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Focus, we take a look at the desperate plea of a dying man.

There were two criminals who were crucified beside Jesus.

One of the criminals hurled insults at Jesus. But the other criminal rebuked him, saying, “Don’t you fear God since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.”

Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”

Jesus answered, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

This criminal understood that he was a guilty man, and that Jesus was innocent. He also understood that Jesus was a king, and so, he called on the name of the only One who could save him in his desperate moment. While we have breath, it’s never too late to find our place in God’s Kingdom. Acts 2:21 says, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” There is a remedy for our guilt. His name is Jesus.

The desperate plea of a dying man is worth examining for a faith-focused life.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com