Jesus, Remember Me.

"Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." Jesus answered him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise." (Luke 24:42~43)

Guess what I was doing at church on Sunday? I was going over the stories about Jesus' crucifixion and the events that occurred with the two criminals that were crucified with him. Now don't get me wrong because I do pay attention! It's just that sometimes, having a little side distraction actually helps me to listen.

Anyways, allow me to return to my original points :] These recounts regarding the two thieves, including the one in Luke, bring about many questions, doubts and even surprises. So let me begin with the questions, which will actually be linked to some of the 'doubts'. The biggest and most important question, is whether or not we can be saved through a quick statement of repentance moments before we leave our material world. Now this also brings up a heavy round of doubts - To what purpose are we leading these 'Christian' lives, if we are promised an eternal life in paradise simply by repenting at our very last moments?

This has been answered for me, and I'm sure for many others as well. I found the connection in a song (worship is amazing) and these are the lyrics.

Come, Now Is the Time to Worship - Various Artists

One day every tongue will confess You are God
One day every knee will bow
Still, the greatest treasure remains for those
Who glady choose You now


I'm sure the words in this song sum it up quite well, but the purpose to which we lead our these Christian lives is to experience the full extent of God's blessings that he bestows onto our lives everyday. I try to imagine the lives these criminals must have lived as thieves and as outcasts of society - the loneliness of their physical senses and the loneliness of their souls. The comfort that he has been seeking all of his life, a paradise, is only found moments before his dying breath through Christ the Lord. For me, this scene paints an amazing picture that are beyond words. glory, love, mercy, power and grace.

So... What exactly is the surprise? Well, it's not exactly that big of a surprise, but it's rather a small point that I came across. I noticed that the repenting thief says to remember him when "you come into your kingdom". This paints a different picture than what my thoughts used to portray. We have the image of Jesus leaving our world, proceeding to become the right hand of God. Yet the thief asks Jesus to remember him when He comes into His kingdom. There is a contradiction of what is actually occurring (Jesus leaving) and what will happen thereafter (Jesus coming). I mean, this is what I've been reminded of at church and by Ken. The Kingdom of Jesus the Lord is here, and it is coming here.

The kingdom is being built as we speak, through the course of our actions. Can we gain entrance to the kingdom when our King returns? I have no doubt that we will. But I don't understand why I would want to miss out on this great journey, this great period of preparation, that is happening to await the return of our King. The least I could do for the One who gave His life for me is to do what I was told. And it's not even that I was told to do bad things! I've been told to become alike in my actions as the greatest One!

Jesus, through his life and death, has given me all the ways and reasons I would require to live a Christian life. Following Him to become like Him is difficult, but also simple. We have to stop looking at what's bad and start looking at what's good. Go ahead and take that sip of alcohol which may not be all that bad. But is it really a good thing? And for God's sake, and I mean do mean for God's sake, as we are to be the living embodiments of His image, let's try not to do stupid things. It's like the Lakers fans that became a riot because of the championship. How does the world now perceive most Lakers fans? How will people view the Lakers team?

All of the questions, doubts and surprises that came from this passage lead me to a rather simplistic conclusion. It's an idea that we should all already know, though. The way we live our lives matter, to a greater extent that we want to believe. It's pretty difficult though, to go against what may seem natural to our senses. So I pray for a peace of mind that will help me to make my choices. I know that when I fail, I will be forgiven. But how many times must I continue to disappoint Him? I want to be like Him and help others do the same. Jesus, remember me when you come into Your kingdom. Jesus, speak to me the truth of your words.