Today’s scripture: Luke 23:32-43 (NRSV) (The Message)
As you read, consider: What might God be saying to me? Summarize your thoughts in a sentence or two.
My thoughts (Tammy Mills):
In Huub Bogaers’ painting for the word Paradise we see another open hand. This painting reminds me that today Jesus extends an open hand to the criminals on the crosses beside him. Can you imagine Jesus, in horrible pain, extending His hand to comfort others?
In our last words from the cross today we see a man simply and humbly ask Jesus to remember him. Jesus not only remembers him but tells him, “Today you will be with me in Paradise.” How like Jesus to not only remember him but to go a major step further and essentially tell him not to worry, he would be going where Jesus was headed — Paradise.
Sometimes in my journey I feel like the thief on the cross next to Jesus. I know my own actions have put me in a pretty terrible place. The story of the thief teaches me that I can always lift my eyes to Jesus and humbly ask to be “remembered.” Today I will try to take to heart what Jesus says from the cross. No mater what I have done, Jesus says that today you can be with me in Paradise.
Thought for the day: Can I imagine Jesus extending an open hand to me?
Today, let’s join together in prayer for: all of the members of the Office Volunteers Team, and the Team’s leader, Shane Booker.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. Use the item above as a starting point, or consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.