Please read Luke 23:26-43

Right now is all we have. This very moment. Yesterday is gone, tomorrow never comes. Today, right now, is where it’s at. So seize the day! 

Today: what a day today is. Good Friday; it’s a Day of days. It’s unique, having no equal in history. But I guess that’s just a matter of perspective, isn’t it? Like a glorious sunset or a priceless work of art hanging on a wall in some world famous gallery, you either have the eyes to see its beauty – or, you don’t. Today is Good Friday: what do you see?  

As long as you and I have today, we have opportunity. May I remind you of one such man? For him, today – Good Friday – was disappearing faster than any other day he had known. This man, and his partner in crime, had made a series of poor choices and now he was receiving in his flesh the just punishment for his deeds (Luke 23:41). As he hung next to the Lord Jesus upon a cruel Roman cross, betwixt heaven and earth, paralyzed by the nails (Luke 23:33) you would be forgiven for thinking that any hope or opportunity for him had gone. But for this thief, today was going to be a very Good (Fri)day, indeed.

Empowered by the Holy Spirit to seize the opportunity, in faith, in hope, this dying thief decides to look upon the Lord of heaven and earth. Rebuking his faithless partner, boldly, he calls upon the Lord, saying, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”

Why should Jesus care for him? He has no prospects. Don’t miss the sarcasm, but it happens to be the truth. He has nothing in his hands to offer THE KING OF THE JEWS. Only nails; and blood. He is spent. Empty. Bankrupt. Ruined. He has zero pride. He is naked and rightly ashamed. He is at the end of himself. He wounded others with his evil, and habitual choices. Thief! Many were those who might think him dispcable. He was getting his just reward – death. The scoffing crowd beneath would soon be satisfied. Good Riddance!

But this is GOOD FRIDAY. This is the Day, when The Judge was judged in our place (2 Cor. 5:21). The Day when Christ died for sins once for all, the Righteous for the unrighteous, to reconcile you to God (1 Peter 3:18). And so, in faith, in hope, in love, Jesus turns His head; and looks in the direction of the anonymous sinner. But surely Jesus knew his name; just as surely as He knows yours. And from His swollen, dry, cracked and bleeding lips, Jesus passes sentence. Now remember, Jesus spoke creation into being (John 1:1-3). His voice is the ultimate authority. What Jesus says is a word for you to take into your heart today. A word to live by, and die by.

Jesus answered him, “I tell you the truth, TODAY you will be with me in paradise.”   

In that moment, unseen in the darkness, a miracle of spiritual supernatural saving grace unfolds, as Jesus forever alters a dying thief’s address and postal code. Angels gasp and worship. The thief rests his head upon the wood, as one rests their head in slumber upon a pillow, content now to trust his final breath and his eternity to the One crowned with thorns.

It’s Good Friday, everyday; I tell you now is the time of God’s favour, now is the day of salvation (2 Cor. 6:1-2).

What a day of opportunity this is. Remember, all we have is right now. This very moment. Yesterday is gone, tomorrow never comes. Take nothing for granted. Today is where it’s at. So seize the day! Please, I emplore you – do not miss it. It’s very GOOD.
Carpe Diem! It only takes a look – anyone can look (Isaiah 45:21b-22).

It’s Friday; BUT SUNDAY’S COMING!! God bless,
Jeremy

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Tony Campolo, pure gold. An excerpt. It’s Friday..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frfZQVEEOwY

What a difference a day makes…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZSfgCIGd7k4

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