Image from angusday.org
When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified Jesus there with the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. Then Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.’ And they cast lots to divide his clothing. And the people stood by, watching; but the leaders scoffed at him, saying, ‘He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Messiah of God, his chosen one!’ The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine, and saying, ‘If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!’ There was also an inscription over him, ‘This is the King of the Jews.’ One of the criminals who were hanged there kept deriding him and saying, ‘Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us!’ But the other rebuked him, saying, ‘Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed have been condemned justly, for we are getting what we deserve for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong.’ Then he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’ He replied, ‘Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.’ (Luke 23:33-43)
We live in a country with interesting democratic processes. We have elections and sometimes we are elated with the results, other times we say to loved ones and friends, "He or she is not my governor!" or fill in the blank. But this coming Sunday, the Church declares again as she has always done, that Jesus Christ is the King of Kings. The above passage will be read in those churches using the lectionary and the passage is one that has long established the role of Jesus as our king. And it occurs in a setting that by human standards does not make sense. Like the birth of Jesus our King happened in the poorest of locales, manger in a stable. And Jesus' "coronation" takes place at the site of His death and that between two criminals. Yet, notice the importance on the mind of this king is forgiveness. The ones putting Jesus to death were declared innocent by Jesus. And while one criminal cries for Jesus to free him from his suffering, the other speaks up for Him by saying that Jesus was innocent and they, as criminals deserved what they were getting. He further shows his faith in Jesus by asking to be remembered when Jesus came into His kingdom. And our King replies, "Today you will be with me in Paradise."
No matter the setting we find ourselves in, nor the feelings we may have for recent elections at every level, Jesus is our King. No one can take that away from us and in truth, our citizenship is in Heaven, where Jesus rules and will rule eternally. It is the source and fuel of our hope and serves to give us motivation to work and labor among those who have yet to make Jesus King of their lives. Our role as Jesus' good citizens is to invite others to come and join us in His kingdom.
PRAYER: King Jesus, forgive me of my sins. Help me to be the person You have called me to be. Help me to work hard for You, inviting others to join us in our journey here, moving ever faithfully and joyfully onward and upward. In Your precious name we pray, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord.
Eradio Valverde
Prayers for a sweet, nine year-old girl from Sinton, Texas, named Lani, who yesterday at our charge conference shared how she sees Jesus in her church. She added how she has a rare disease which makes it necessary to receive weekly blood transfusions and how soon she will need a blood transfusion. Please pray for her healing. She has such a precious and positive spirit and blessed all of us there. May the Lord Jesus heal her from this illness is my prayer in His precious and powerful name, amen.!
