Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, “If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us.” { v.39}

Jesus Christ was not on the cross for himself but for us .He did not come to save himself but us .We are the the criminals ,we are the ones who have offended God .We are the guilty ones .We are sinners, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,{ Romans 3;23 }

But like the criminals who were led with him to be put to death ,one will blaspheme Him and the other will acknowledge Him as ” LORD “. One of the criminals hanging beside him scoffed, “So you’re the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself—and us, too, while you’re at it!” But the other criminal protested, “Don’t you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die .We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn’t done anything wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.” { Luke 23;39-42nlt} You have been sentenced to die for your sins ,For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.{ Romans 6;23 } But the Scripture has confined all under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.{ Galations 3;22 }

God has said that all men are criminals , all have sinned , all have missed the mark , all are condemned to hell ; As the Scriptures say, “No one is righteous— not even one. No one is truly wise; no one is seeking God. All have turned away; all have become useless. No one does good, not a single one.”

Their talk is foul, like the stench from an open grave. Their tongues are filled with lies.” “Snake venom drips from their lips.” Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness.They rush to commit murder.Destruction and misery always follow them. They don’t know where to find peace.They have no fear of God at all..{ Romans 3;10-18nlt}

Does this offend you ? That God has confined even you under sin , that you are guilty ? when he says “all have sinned” that includes you too my friend and me . We deserve death , we deserve hell , we deserve to be punished for our hatred ,our lies , our filth , our lust , fornication, our selfishness, our slander and gossip of another , our evil deeds ,pride and arrogance But you have never done any of these things you might say ? REALLY ?

No one is righteous— not even one. Do not be deceived .Be honest with yourself and look within . How long will you suppress the truth and believe your own lies ? But God shows his anger from heaven against all sinful, wicked people who suppress the truth by their wickedness{ Romans 1;18nlt}

You brood of snakes! Who warned you to flee God’s coming wrath? Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God……

Even now the ax of God’s judgment is poised, ready to sever the roots of the trees. Yes, every tree that does not produce good fruit will be chopped down and thrown into the fire.” { Luke 3;7,8,9} So which criminal are you ? The one who blasphemes the Son of God ? the cross being an offense to you ?or the one who who says  ; This Man has done nothing wrong ; Lord remember me when you come into your kingdom and believes in Jesus Christ who died on the cross for me and you

.These will hear the words of the Lord ; And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.” { Luke 23;43}

Devotion by Fabian