Day 117

Judges 7:1-8:17; Luke 23:13-43; Psalms 97:1-98:9; Proverbs 14:7-8

Today in Paradise

Do you know the Greek word for “truly”? It’s “amen.” We say it at the end of a prayer.  Jesus uses it up front to announce truth. When Jesus tells the thief on the cross, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise,” He is affirming at least 3 specific promises.

First, He means “today.” While this could be metaphorical, it is fair to take its plain meaning. The thief’s immediate destiny is about to unfold. His prior crimes are washed away by his new faith in Jesus. His present suffering is temporary. Second, “with me.” His destiny is bound to Jesus. Wherever Jesus is going, the thief will follow. Nothing can ever separate them. Third, he will be “in Paradise.”

The word “Paradise” comes from a Persian word for a walled garden, such as you would find on a wealthy estate; a place of great tranquility, beauty, peace, and safety. Through the cross, an abject, guilty sinner will be delivered by faith from death into the exquisite joys of heaven through the saving grace of Jesus Christ. What was true for him is truly available for you. You may rest secure in that hope.

These are beautiful promises, and there is yet more to Christian belief regarding our ultimate future. Death is not the end, and in addition to these promises about heaven, there is also a further promise about Resurrection. Stay tuned. AMEN!

The Rev. Tim Nunez

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