The Father's Menu
Apostle Dr. Richard Udoh
Tuesday, April 2, 2024
WHEN GRACE FINDS YOU
"One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: 'Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!' But the other criminal rebuked him. 'Don’t you fear God,' he said, '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 him, 'Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
Luke 23:39-43
Main Text: Main Text: Ephesians 2:8-9
In one of His most profound statements from the Cross, Jesus declared to the repentant thief beside Him, "Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise" (Luke 23:43). This remarkable saying encapsulates the essence of salvation and offers a glimpse into the boundless grace and mercy of God. The thief's salvation serves as a powerful reminder of God's grace, which transcends human merit or effort. It illustrates the truth that salvation is not earned through good works or religious rituals but is freely given by God's unmerited favor, as Ephesians 2:8-9 affirms: "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast."
Jesus' words offer the thief—and all believers—an unshakeable hope of eternal life beyond the confines of earthly existence. The promise of paradise reminds us that death is not the end but the gateway to an eternity of joy, fellowship, and perfect communion with God. Revelation 21:4 beautifully describes this future reality: "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."
In reflecting on Jesus' promise to the thief on the Cross, believers are reminded of the profound depth of God's love and the transformative power of His grace. It serves as a poignant reminder that, no matter our past or present circumstances, salvation is freely available to all who turn to Jesus in faith.
Confession:
I declare that I am saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Like the repentant thief, I embrace the promise of eternal life in paradise, knowing that God's love and mercy extend to me without limit. I rejoice in the hope of salvation and eagerly anticipate the day when I will dwell with Him in paradise for all eternity.
Further Reading:
Ephesians 2:8-9 - "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast."
Revelation 21:4 - "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."
Read through the bible in 1 year: Deuteronomy 21:1-22:30 Luke 9:51-10:12 Psalm 74:1-23 Proverbs 12:11
Read through the bible in 2 years: Dan 10.1-12.4 & Ps 85
