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As we look forward to the Easter Celebration, it is important to embrace the hope that the Risen Savior offers. Answered prayers hold the promise of hope. They let us know that God hears our requests and provides for our needs. As Christ hung on the cross he spoke, he answered a prayer. Today you will be with me. A new home. Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
When things are hopeless, when the future looks dim, when we cannot see what tomorrow holds for us we turn to God and ask for his help. That is prayer, a conversation with God. Does he hear them? Does he answer them? The simple answer is yes, but His answer isn’t always the one we expect.
You and I both know it is easier to receive help from someone you know. The time and effort we invest in building relationships provide some security for us when we are in need. That is the way God wired us.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, 12b; NLT; Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.
Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.
It is more important than we realize, having that relationship with God, He is the third strand. First, that relationship means He hears our prayers. Second, having a relationship with God helps us understand the answer and allows us the opportunity to ask for an explanation.
I have seen it many times at the track, the willingness to help one another makes it a special group of people to be around; teams helping teams so that they can race. We all understand the challenges to get to the track and have your car ready. Then something breaks and you don’t have a spare. That is when you know who your friends are.
That is the key; those who know us and care about us are willing to help us. If you walked up to a total stranger and asked for twenty bucks, how likely would you be to get it? On the other hand, if you walked up to a friend and asked, the chances are they would give you what you needed, probably forty or fifty.
As we look upon the crucifixion we find Jesus nailed to the cross, enduring the pain for your sins and mine. He was there between two thieves, one on his right, and one on his left. He was there for us, they were there because they deserved it. In spite of His pain and suffering, He still had compassion for those who sought him out.
Luke 23:32-43; NLT; Two others, both criminals, were led out to be executed with him. When they came to a place called The Skull, they nailed him to the cross. And the criminals were also crucified—one on his right and one on his left.
Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” And the soldiers gambled for his clothes by throwing dice.
The crowd watched and the leaders scoffed. “He saved others,” they said, “let him save himself if he is really God’s Messiah, the Chosen One.” The soldiers mocked him, too, by offering him a drink of sour wine. They called out to him, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” A sign was fastened above him with these words: “This is the King of the Jews.”
One of the criminals hanging beside him scoffed, “So you’re the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself—and us, too, while you’re at it!”
But the other criminal protested, “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.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.”
And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
Jesus speaks from the cross as he answers the prayer of a criminal. He heard his request and answered. The criminal only asked for mercy, Christ accepted him into paradise. Today you will have a new home.
Look at the contrast of the criminals on the crosses, one belligerent and hurling insults, the other had a fear of God, a respect for Christ. In this simple yet deep display we see the options available to us, nothing more; nothing less. They sum up the two options, for or against. There is no middle ground; we either honor God or we don’t.
The thief on the right asked Jesus to remember Him when he came into his kingdom. Look closely, not if you come into your kingdom, when. He had done some terrible things in his life, terrible enough to be sentenced to death. He understood his life didn’t honor God and he prayed to the only one who could save him, Jesus.
Jesus responded, “Today you will be with me in paradise.” Salvation is that simple, acknowledge God and ask for his forgiveness. God will receive you into His kingdom.
Romans 10:13; NLT; For “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
Jesus wasn’t focused on his needs, he was focused on the needs of those around him. How easily are we distracted from the needs of those around us? How easily do we get so lost in our own difficulties and challenges that we forget what is going on around us? How many times do we push someone away because we don’t have time? How often are we so wrapped up in ourselves that we cannot see those around us?
We can be the light of hope to those who are lost. We can provide the encouragement of a new home in heaven with God. We can be the difference someone needs to look forward to tomorrow.
Jesus wasn’t too busy or distressed to hear the cry of a lost soul. He set an example for us to follow. We need to stop focusing on our own difficulties to take time and listen to those around us. Let us make every effort to focus on the needs of others and not on our own.
Until next time, remember God loves you and Jesus is Lord over Auto Racing! God Bless. Remember, that your prayerful support and donations helps us continue this ministry. Thank You.
