THE PROMISE OF PARADISE Three crosses. To the left, a criminal, a parasite and menace to society. To the right, more of the same. In the center, pure and holy love, a perfect human being, God’s only son. Most of us know the story, the events leading up to this terrible and glorious historical event. Jesus has been betrayed, arrested, tried, convicted and tortured. His crimes? Count one: guilty of impersonating the king of the Jews. Count two: guilty of leading people astray with false interpretations of God’s laws. Count three: guilty of encouraging tax evasion. The sentence: Capital punishment--death by crucifixion, flesh being secured by nails to a heavy wooden cross to ensure a slow, agonizing and very public death. One of the criminals hanging next to him will die shouting in hateful anger, “If you are the anointed one of God, don’t just take this abuse, use your power, free yourself and us, also.” And on the other side a sane and humble voice, “Our death should put the fear of God in you. We’re criminals who deserve our punishment, but this man is sinless, “He has done nothing wrong.” Then from the dying man, a humble prayer request, “When you get back home, remember me.” And Jesus proclaims a hope-filled answer. Verse 43 says, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.” It’s like saying, “Don’t worry, I won’t forget.” Notice the uniqueness of Jesus’ love. Even while dying, he promises the thief more than he asks for. Not only will Jesus remember him, he will be Jesus’ guest. “You will be with me in Paradise. Not tomorrow, or next year or during the Second Coming, but today you will spend time with me in eternity.” The Promise of Paradise. We don’t hear much about Paradise nowadays, but during the time of the Israelites and Jesus’ earthly life, Paradise was a topic of great belief and discussion. It originally meant a beautiful, peaceful garden where the souls of the righteous went immediately after death. It was a temporary place, sort of like a holding station—the spirit left the body but had yet to be judged by God. Paradise had life-giving water and the best fruits and spices. As more Jews started to believe in the resurrection, during the first and second centuries, Paradise became known as a second Garden of Eden for the righteous dead. Some believed Paradise was the final dwelling place of the righteous dead. Jesus, of course, didn’t have to speculate. He was referring to “a temporary dwelling place for the righteous dead before the general resurrection.” It’s the same place that is mentioned by Paul in Scriptures indicate that heaven has many mansions, many rooms and many levels, always being enlarged to receive those who names are written in the Book of Life. Paradise is also mentioned in Revelation 2:7, with its living waters and luscious fruits and trees for the healing of the nations. Ancient writings say that Paradise is so beautiful it cannot be described with human words. It’s a place of perfect peace and love and harmony. I believe that people who die with smiles on their faces, and those who have near death experiences, see glimpses of Paradise. The good thing about Jesus’ promises is that he keeps his word and his word is eternal. His word covers us, sinners saved by grace. Each one of us is going to die. Those who obey the Word, who follow the commandments, who take up their own cross, and follow him will also be with Jesus in Paradise. It’s a promise we can base our whole lives on, because Jesus doesn’t know anything about making empty promises. Families, friends and employers may be unreliable, but Jesus Christ is the word, the truth, and the life. His word is gospel. If you’d like to receive his promise, why don’t you? Paradise was bought and paid for by the blood that Jesus shed on the cross of Calvary. It’s a promise on which we can stand. Amen |