Rejected

I wrote this devotional when I was in pain, waking up from a fog and searching. I submitted it to a publisher and it was rejected. Read it and tell me what you think.

Paradise

Read Luke 23:34-43

And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

-Luke 23:43 (NLT)

I have pondered these verses quite often. Looking to the Bible for inspiration, I often likened myself to one of the Roman guards. Standing at the foot of the cross, carrying out an execution, like a good soldier, as ordered. People standing around this death scene, some family, friends and followers of the three condemned to die this day. But most came to mock and jeer. I saw myself as one of the Romans, gambling for the condemned’s clothing, laughing, mocking and taunting with bitter wine. Could I have been the one who came to believe at the moment of Jesus’ death? “Surly this man was innocent.”(Luke 23:47) I imagined myself saying these words.

Now I see myself more like the thief hanging beside Christ. Like him, more troubles, most self inflicted, than I care to want. Hanging there, taking in all the clamor and din around him, seeing his beaten, bloodied, mocked and scorned companion in all his humanity, humility, godliness and dignity, he turns to him and asks, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.”(Luke 23:42) This broken piece of humanity replies with truth and dignity, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.”(Luke 23:43)

When I need strength, I think of this scene and the simple prayer of the thief and I am reminded that all I have to do is ask God to remember me and He will reward me with paradise.

Ray Mickol (Ohio, USA)

Prayer

God, as you remembered the thief, remember me. As the thief tuned to you in need, let me also remember you in my times of need. Amen.

Thought for the Day

Keep Christ close to your heart

Prayer Focus

For those in a painful struggle with regrets