Today's passage: Luke 23
Today's focus: vs 39-43
Author: [from the archives of 2020]
What was the "sinner's prayer" that you prayed to become a Christian? I've heard things like "I asked Jesus into my heart." The better ones have a profession of sin and asking for forgiveness. Do we see any examples of a structured prayer that you're supposed to "repeat after me" in order to become a Christian?
I have not found a direct prayer we are to repeat. However, there are models we see in Scripture that is worth taking notes after. The thief on the cross is a great one:
- He fears God. We know this because he is bewildered that the other thief doesn't fear God. We must get rid of this trend where we tell people not to "fear God." Or we soften that to say "fear = respect." In Scripture, we see people fearing God and it has always been for the good!
- He recognizes that he deserves it. He calls it "just." They are merely receiving what is due. This reminds us of Romans that teaches us how the wages of sin is death. This thief understood that his death is only fair and just.
- He acknowledges the perfection of Christ. Jesus did nothing wrong, yet He pays for our sins. Even the thief sees Jesus' perfection. Don't forget that Pontius Pilate also saw no wrong in Christ!
- He bows before the divinity of Christ. He asks Jesus to "remember me when you come into your kingdom." This wasn't just a mere man. This was a man whose kingdom lasts beyond death.
Jesus' response? "Today you will be with me in paradise." May we be like the thief on the cross. Let us fear God, recognize our sins, acknowledge the sacrifice of Christ and worship Him as our Savior, and bow before in submission to His Lordship.
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