Paradise

Luke 23
And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be
with me in paradise.   Luke 23:43

LET IT GLOW

Palm trees blowing in the cool breeze, surrounded by clear blue
water, colorful tropical fish swimming beneath the surface. Aah, this was
paradise! Our mission team took a day away from the noisy city to relax on
one of God's magnificent tropical islands. Yes, indeed, it was a paradise. One
which I had never seen or experienced before and will never forget.

Jesus has a paradise, called heaven,  prepared for his believers. The criminal
on the cross joined Him there that day. It was the day of His crucifiction.
A conversation occured between two criminals which hung on both sides of
Jesus.

One said, "So you're the Messiah, are you?  Prove it by saving
yourself-and us, too, while you're at it!" (verse 35, NLT)

The other criminal said,"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. Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom."

How did Jesus answer him? "I assure you, today you will be with me in
paradise," He said.

Jesus has heaven waiting for us believers. Immediately upon death our soul is
with Christ. We better be ready.

In 2 Corinthians 5:8, Paul says,"We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent
from the body, and to be present with the Lord."

LET IT GROW

It was twelve o'clock noon, the sixth hour, when a thick darkness covered the
earth. It lasted three hours. In the temple, the Holy of Holies, is where the veil
tore from top to bottom. It gave Gentiles an approach into God's throne room
of grace.

Matthew Henry Commentator says, "It took away the ceremonial law."

Believers now have direct access to God through Jesus Christ in prayer.


LET IT GO

I want Jesus to remember me, His child.
Go to God through Jesus, His Son, in prayer.