“Paradise with Jesus awaits faith in Jesus.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – October 24, 2025
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.” Luke 23:39-43, NLT
There is a well-known scene where Luke vividly describes three crosses against a darkening sky, with three men dying in their final moments. Two are criminals receiving their just punishment, and one is innocent. Yet, in those last breaths, something extraordinary occurs that Charles Spurgeon called “a very great wonder of grace.” The dying thief’s conversion wasn’t a long, drawn-out process. No Bible studies, no church membership classes, no slow spiritual awakening. Just brutal honesty about his guilt, clear recognition of Jesus’ innocence, and a simple plea: “Remember me when you come into your kingdom.” A last-minute faith.
Jesus’ response was immediate and complete: “Today you will be with me in paradise.” Not tomorrow after you prove yourself, not eventually after you make amends. Today. Here’s a man who had spent his life stealing, hurting others, and making destructive choices. Yet in his final hours, grace met him fully. He earned nothing, deserved nothing, and contributed nothing to his salvation except faith and repentance—pure grace. Jesus didn’t whisper it privately—He declared it for everyone to hear. The other criminal, the soldiers, the crowd—they all witnessed this demonstration of immediate, full forgiveness. A deathbed repentance and total trust in Jesus.
This story conveys a dual message. It shows that it’s never too late to turn to Christ—grace can reach anyone at any moment. However, you might take God’s mercy for granted, thinking you can live as you want and only repent later. The thief’s example highlights urgency: when conviction comes, respond immediately. The criminal saw Jesus not just as a dying man beside him, but as someone with a kingdom, someone with the power to save. That realization—that this crucified man was the reigning Savior—changed everything for him. And it can change everything for anyone, at any moment, even close to death. But why wait until the last minute?
Waiting until life’s end to embrace faith means missing out on decades of purpose, peace, and transformation. You forfeit years of knowing you’re unconditionally loved, of having prayers answered, and of experiencing God’s guidance through tough decisions. You miss the joy of serving others in meaningful ways, the comfort of an eternal perspective during loss, and the freedom from guilt and shame that come with forgiveness. Most tragically, you miss watching God reshape your character, heal broken relationships, and use your life to influence others. The thief received paradise, but he never experienced the abundant life Christ offers on earth—years of walking with God, growing in wisdom, and making a difference. As the proverb wisely reminds us, “Remember your Creator in the days of your youth.” Also, be hopeful for those who are aging without Jesus; the Holy Spirit is at work in their hearts. You keep loving and forgiving them, as your heavenly Father loves and forgives them. Today can be the day of repentance and salvation for a life broken and humble before God. Paradise with Jesus awaits faith in Jesus.
“For whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Romans 10:13).
Prayer
Lord Jesus, I call on Your name, trusting in Your mercy and grace. Save me, forgive me, and make me Yours. In You alone I find eternal life. In Your name I pray, amen.
Application
Have you made peace with God? If not, do so today. Also, who can you pray for today who needs to turn to Jesus in repentance and faith?
Related Reading
Isaiah 55:6-7; Joel 2:32; Ephesians 2:8-9; 1 John 1:9
Worship Resource
Anne Wilson, Chris Tomlin: The Cross
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