From Prison to Paradise (#260)
Bible version used: NKJV
From Prison to Paradise
You may or may not be on death row, but there is something you need to know.
Jesus was on death row once—for about an hour. The authorities didn’t put him in prison first . . . they just brought him from judge to execution.
No gas chamber or lethal injection. Instead, a beating that ripped the flesh off his back. Then they forced him to carry his own cross to the town dump. After hammering nails through his wrists and feet, they hung him on a post till he was dead. It took about 3 hours.
They crucified two other prisoners that day. Both were thieves. One, angry and hostile, mocked Jesus.
The other, repentant, saw that Jesus hadn’t deserved this horrid death. He told the other prisoner: “We deserve this—he doesn’t.” And turning to Jesus he said: “Please remember me . . .”
No time for making things right. No time to go back and fix up the lives he messed up. No time to visit church, or get baptized . . . just simple belief in Jesus: “Jesus, remember me.”
Then Jesus did an amazing thing. He forgave the repentant prisoner and welcomed him into heaven and eternal life. Jesus said to him: “Today, you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:43)
Does this Jesus have a word for you today? He does indeed:
“For God (my father) so loved the world (you, prisoner!) that he gave his only begotten Son that whoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16
Jesus paved the road for you to connect with God. He offers forgiveness and new life no matter where you’ve been–or what you’ve done–or where you are.
Your response? Respond in faith by repenting and believing in Jesus Christ and making him Savior and Lord of your life.
Start out by praying a simple prayer like this: “I’m sorry for my past life. Jesus remember me.”
If you want to learn more about Jesus, write to the address below, and we’ll send you some free literature. And in the meantime, find a Bible and begin reading the Gospel of John today!
Texts used are from the NKJV.