"And behold, some are last who will be first
and some are first who will be last." Luke 13:30
and some are first who will be last." Luke 13:30
This phrase can be found also in Matthew 19:30, Matthew 20:16, and Mark 10:31.
And Jesus means exactly what he says.
The thief hanging on the cross beside him must have done
terrible things for him to merit the absolute worst punishment,
but he received heaven's reward after he repented.
That thief received the same fullness of life eternal
that Saints Peter, Paul, and Timothy received.
The thief just got through that narrow door!
We will never know who we will meet when we get to heaven.
(We're getting there not because of any good we've done
but because God will finish the work He started in us!)
And Jesus means exactly what he says.
The thief hanging on the cross beside him must have done
terrible things for him to merit the absolute worst punishment,
but he received heaven's reward after he repented.
That thief received the same fullness of life eternal
that Saints Peter, Paul, and Timothy received.
The thief just got through that narrow door!
We will never know who we will meet when we get to heaven.
(We're getting there not because of any good we've done
but because God will finish the work He started in us!)
We can try to think of the most evil person we know, the one who murders people, babies even, the one who goes to a crowded place and plants a bomb, the one who rapes, who deceives, who lies, etc. And then when we see Saint Peter, we can ask him, "Why is that person here? I served God, tried my best to be good,
told the truth, and prayed every day! And that person, what did he do?"
Saint Peter might answer, "He repented and asked for mercy!"
told the truth, and prayed every day! And that person, what did he do?"
Saint Peter might answer, "He repented and asked for mercy!"
It's the same as the workers in the vineyard in the 20th chapter of Matthew.
Some worked a full day, others just an hour, and they all got the same wage!
There can't, after all, be any more or less of eternal life.
And NONE of us deserve the reward of heaven. None!
Some worked a full day, others just an hour, and they all got the same wage!
There can't, after all, be any more or less of eternal life.
And NONE of us deserve the reward of heaven. None!
Lord Jesus, thank You for paying the price of admission to our eternal home!
We will never realize how amazingly incredible our inheritance is
until we join you, like the thief beside You on the cross, in Paradise!
I find a lot of inspiration
We will never realize how amazingly incredible our inheritance is
until we join you, like the thief beside You on the cross, in Paradise!
Joining the lovely Julia Dunnit for a
peek at desks and projects!
I find a lot of inspiration
visiting my friends here:
Mondays @ Soul Survival
Small Wonders, Testimony Tuesday, Titus 2 Tuesdays,
Count Your Blessings, Word Art Wednesday, Wildly Original
Small Wonders, Testimony Tuesday, Titus 2 Tuesdays,
Count Your Blessings, Word Art Wednesday, Wildly Original
Blessings!
Patsy
You always give us something to think about and a beautiful illustration to look at
ReplyDeleteLynn : 13
Another great thought for the day Patsy and illustration - still can't draw in my bible though. Have a lovely week x Jackie 21
ReplyDeleteI do enjoy visiting because you always seem to inspire me. I have not been able to draw in my bible yet but love your illustrations! Glenda #26
ReplyDeletePainting over text like that really adds to the overall effect, such a clever idea of getting your message across.
ReplyDeleteHugs, LLJ 4 xxx
Lovely bible journaling. Perfect! I have not tried this yet. Keep smiling and creating.
ReplyDeleteMore beautiful art. Happy WOYWW Elaine no. 18
ReplyDeleteReally love how you draw your base ideas from the everyday, you have faith in your ability, I think!
ReplyDeleteFantastic job on this. hugs, teresa
ReplyDeleteLove your post, always a blessing! your journal page is wonderful!!HAve a great week! Ginny #41
ReplyDelete