It’s seven o’clock in the evening and the first time today the sun has come out. It has been a day full of rain and clouds, and I have been cooped up inside. Now as the sunlight comes through my window, I think, What a waste to have sunshine now. It will be dark shortly. But the sun will come out when the sun will come out. When it shines isn’t up to me.
The lateness of the sunshine made me think of the thief on the cross next to Jesus. His punishment indicated he had wasted his life in violence. The man admonished the criminal on the other side of Jesus, “We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve” (Luke 23:41). He then acknowledged Jesus’ innocence and said to Him, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom” (Luke 23:42).
As Christ hung on the cross, He shone the truth of His saving grace into the man’s heart. His death saves all people who believe in His atoning work. The forgiveness, salvation and reconciliation Christ offers the thief He extends to all through the Holy Spirit.
From an earthly perspective, it looks as though the Son arrived late in the man’s life. However, through His death, Jesus secured the man’s eternal life. The time of transforming a life belongs to the Son, and it is never too late for the Son to shine.
Photo by Andrik Langfield
Denise Larson Cooper has a passion for Christ and sharing His Word. A wife and mother of two daughters, Denise currently works as a gymnastic coach.
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