Revelation watch: Day 13

Revelation watch: Day 13

   The man who did not hesitate

Sunset in West Texas. DZN

We are entering a week that according to some Bible students could lead to a pivotal End Times moment. If it looks as though the Rapture, at least the first one, is really about to happen in late September, then how would we warn the others so they can react in time?

After the rapture, the whole world will notice that millions (billions) of people simply vanished. Many people, including some I know, are putting off turning to Jesus Christ for their salvation. They are not necessarily bad people; in fact, one could say they live moral lives. They just want to continue uninterrupted with their families, jobs, and projects. These seem to be among the hardest people to reach. People who are drowning in the consequences of their sins understand their condition and need for the Savior. 

Then we have mockers. When Jesus was crucified, His cross stood between the crosses of two men who were sentenced to die with Him the same day. Depending on the Bible translation, they are described in Matthew 27:38 as "robbers," "rebels," "thieves," "revolutionaries" (rebels) or "criminals."

"Two rebels were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left." - (NIV)

"Two revolutionaries were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left." - (NLT)

"Then two robbers were crucified with him, one on the right and one on the left." - (ESV)

"Then two criminals were crucified with him, one on the right and one on the left." - (CSB)

Then, after suffering insults from Roman soldiers, Jewish religious leaders and passers-by, Luke 23:39 tells us that one of the two criminals also mocked Jesus. The second man developed remorse and asked Jesus to remember Him.

Luke 23:39 (CSB) - (39) "Then one of the criminals hanging there began to yell insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” (40) "But the other answered, rebuking him: “Don’t you even fear God, since you are undergoing the same punishment?" (41) "We are punished justly, because we’re getting back what we deserve for the things we did, but this man has done nothing wrong.” (42) "Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”

How did Jesus, who was on the verge of death Himself, respond?

Luke 23:43 (NLT) - "And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.” 

Amen!

This second man, the criminal who asked Jesus to remember Him, did not have time to get baptized, discipled, nor was he able to walk with the followers of Jesus before he too died. Yet, Jesus told the man at His side, with assurance, that He would join Him! What a merciful and loving God we serve!

If you haven't turned to Jesus already, then do so now. Call on Him, and you too will be saved, right now.

Acts 2:21 (NLT) - "But everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved."

Romans 10:11-13 (NLT) - (11) "As the Scriptures tell us, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced. (12) Jew and Gentile are the same in this respect. They have the same Lord, who gives generously to all who call on him. (13) For “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."

Shalom

Please continue praying for people affected around the world by out-of-control fires, massive flooding, earthquakes and other disasters. Fires and more

Diana Washington-Valdez/Faith Today Christian Ministries          

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