Undeserved
My eyes are wide-open - I'm shocked by what I see. Beautiful...What is this place?
As far as my eye can see - pleasing scenes of color and stunning beauty hit my senses. For a common man like me - used to the monotonous sights of the countryside - it's a scene out of paradise. Wow...this place is wonderful. As I view my surrounding, a man walks up to me.
"Hello there!" the newcomer announces. Fancy meeting you here." I'm kind of dumbstruck by the newcomer's arrival and I ask, "Who are you?" As he looks at me, I'm struck by his elegant clothes and angelic features. The newcomer gives a heart-warming smile and simply says, "Follow me."
We walk amiably side-by-side until we come before the most luxurious mansion that I had ever seen. I say, "What an incredible building! I've never seen anything like it my entire life!" The newcomer replies, "I'm glad you like it so much because this is where you are going to live for the rest of your life " When I hear this, my jaw drops. Me? A nobody like me gets to live in a place like this...Wow.
-flashback-
The scene is dreary. I think back to the last few moments of my life. I can't help but think back on all my regrets. If only I didn't steal from that important Jewish official. I wouldn't be stuck here. Who am I kidding...I'm such an idiot. I've hurt so many people. Especially my parents and my friends. Sigh...if only I could have another chance.
I hear the mocking voice of the person to my left, "If you are the so called Christ, why don't you save yourself and us! Do something!" A feeling of shock and remorse stirs within my heart. The Christ? I have heard nothing but good about this man. Unlike the hypocritical religious elite who are full of boastful words and empty promises - The Christ has really been a man of love and kindness to the poor and broken - I had even heard he did some miracles in my hometown. I reply back to the thief's bitter voice, "Do you not realize what you are saying? We deserve to die in this place - but this man has done nothing wrong! He shouldn't be here!"
Some tears escape from my eyes. I look to the one called Jesus, and for the first time in a long time - a sense of hope stirs within me. This is the One who raised the dead and healed the sick. I believe that if there's anyone who can help me - Jesus can. I know I don't deserve it. I know that I deserve to die and be forgotten...but I can't help but try one last time. One last chance.
"Jesus...please remember me."Jesus turns his head to look at me, and gives me a look of comfort and assurance.
Jesus says, "I promise you that today, you
will be with me in paradise." --- Author Notes: As
far back as I can remember this scene has always captivated my heart.
Here is a thief at the end of the line - no hope, no chance, and no
future. Destined to die and be forgotten like the dirt he was. A
fitting end to his life of crime and conceit - but within his heart
there was regret and a yearning to change from his wicked ways. If
only he could have one more chance - I'm sure he kept thinking that
thought. He might have been a fool and he might have been desperate
- but at just the right time he had the courage and wisdom to cry out
to the only One who could help him - Please Remember Me. Jesus'
reply is a beautiful lifeline to me - I Promise You, Today You Will
Be With Me In Paradise.