"Truly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise." As I reflected on this statement of Christ, I would like to share with you three truths concerning it: the 'promise', the 'proclamation' and the 'price' of Paradise!First of all there is the promise itself. What makes the promise of Paradise so amazing? Well a number of things. To begin with, Paradise (fellowship with God as was experienced in the Garden of Eden) was lost through sin. As we conclude Genesis chapter 3, the immediate dilemma and question we are left asking is this, "Will sinful man ever get back to Paradise?" What we discover very quickly in the biblical storyline is that if sinners are ever to get back to Paradise then it is going to take a most miraculous work of God to do it!
So consider what a staggering promise this is! Intimate, unbroken and perfect communion with God is finally going to be realized! The great U-Turn in redemptive history is taking place! Christ is promising and accomplishing the way back to Eden!
Secondly, I want us to observe the particular state Jesus was in when He proclaimed this promise. Did you notice that Jesus is in the midst of the most intense suffering and agony anyone could endure, and yet, He is still ministering to others! An arrogant and belligerent thief who was once mocking Him (Matt. 27:44) is now seeking mercy from Him! So what did He do? Did He scorn or despise the request? Was Jesus so consumed with His own trials that He chose to disengage from caring? NO! He proclaimed Paradise…while in pain!
What an example we have before us! I know that I want to be ministered to when I am in pain. I tend to shut down from serving others in my sufferings. But Christ pours Himself out all the more through His sufferings! Although Christ was pinned to the tree and for all intents and purposes 'paralyzed', His heart and passion to keep giving was not paralyzed!
Finally, and most importantly, let's consider the price He paid to obtain Paradise. Jesus paved the pathway to Paradise through physical and soul shattering pain! Make no mistake about it. The only road that leads sinners to Paradise is the Via Dolorosa of the One who knows no sin! The Christ was thoroughly and completely crushed. He was vexed and consumed in every way by divine wrath! Paradise with God was purchased through Christ's misery under the righteous indignation of God! The price paid to get back into Paradise is incalculable and unfathomable to the human mind.
As we celebrate this Easter season let us remember that amidst all our trials, sins and pains there is a place called Paradise awaiting us! Jesus Christ (our sin bearing substitute) promised it, proclaimed it and purchased it with His own blood!
by Steve Cassarino
Steve, thanks for this, "What an example we have before us! I know that I want to be ministered to when I am in pain. I tend to shut down from serving others in my sufferings. But Christ pours Himself out all the more through His sufferings!" I am with you brother. I am so self centered.
ReplyDeleteI was reminded of Hebrews 12:2 "looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.