Day 5 - The Other Criminal
April 10, 2020 • Mike Hurley • Luke 23:39–43
I’m a people watcher who loves hanging out at restaurants, observing the crowd around me. As people pass by, I wonder who they are and sometimes try to guess their story. I do the same with Bible characters—so many of their stories seem far too incomplete. . There were two criminals crucified at the same time as Jesus, and Luke records their brief interaction. The one who interests me isn’t the one who was promised paradise with Jesus; it’s the other guy. Luke reveals the man was yelling insults at Jesus, quoting the man saying, “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” (Luke 23:39). . Those were bold words coming from a man on the cusp of death. Clearly, he had heard of Jesus and the rumor of Him being the Messiah. But why hurl insults? His angry comments were so offensive the criminal was rebuked not by Jesus... but by the other criminal. . There is so much we don’t know. The man’s name, crime, background, age, and family are all left unspoken. We assume both criminals died at some point, and most assume one criminal will see Jesus in paradise and the other won’t. . I hold out hope for the angry criminal—hope that he watched the man who received the promise of eternal life in Jesus and had a last-moment change of heart. It could have happened. Such is the nature of salvation. We are saved not by good works but by belief in the work of Christ on the cross. • Mike Hurley . • Is salvation really so simple as trusting in the work of Christ? (Check out our "Know Jesus" page for more information.) . • Why do you think Luke didn’t record any other details about the two criminals? . • Read Ephesians 2:8-9. Why is it important that salvation from sin and death isn’t based on what we do? . For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV)
The Gavel Falls
January 12, 2020 • Mike Hurley
Last year, I went to traffic court after being cited for an illegal left turn. When the judge asked for my plea, I said, “Guilty, with circumstances.” I told him the sign prohibiting the left turn was obscured by tree limbs: “Your honor, I never saw the sign.” Despite my articulate defense, he dropped the gavel, found me guilty, and fined me $120, a hefty price for my ignorance. An offense demands a consequence. But Paul announces in Romans 8:1, “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus.” That’s good news, but note the qualifier. Paul doesn’t say there is no condemnation for anyone. This isn’t universal salvation. There is no condemnation *for those in Christ Jesus*. There are two takeaways. First, there is condemnation for those NOT in Christ Jesus. Second, Christ has paid the price for my offense. Remember, an offense demands a consequence. Someone has to pay the price for sin, just like I had to pay the price for breaking a law. Romans 8:1 announces that, for those in Christ Jesus, the Judge (God) has dropped the http://gavel...the case is closed. You will never appear before the Judge again; no charges will ever be brought against you. There is no condemnation today, tomorrow, or ever. I paid a fine for my illegal turn last year, but, if I am cited again, I have to pay again. If you’re in Christ, you will never pay the price; it’s been paid for you forever. That’s the good news: you will never be condemned by the heavenly Judge. • Why does it matter in your daily life that there is no condemnation in Jesus? • Does “no condemnation” mean you can do anything you want for the rest of your life? Why or why not? • If you want to learn more about what it means to be in Christ Jesus, check out our "Know Jesus" page. Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1 (CSB)
When, Lord, When?
January 10, 2020 • Mike Hurley
Ever heard of Habakkuk? This book of the Bible is rarely preached on or even discussed, which is a shame because it’s a fantastic gem in Scripture. Like the other eleven minor prophets, the book of Habakkuk provides a snapshot of Israel’s history, one that not only reveals God’s plan but also relates to us today. Habakkuk, the titular prophet of this book, prays a prayer everyone has uttered at some point: “How long, Lord, must I call for help?” (Habakkuk 1:2). Simple. Direct. Clear. Lord, we’re in trouble here. When are You going to step in and help Your people? God answers, but not how Habakkuk wanted. God raises up the Chaldeans, the ultimate fighting machine, to invade Judah and imprison the Israelites living there. Huh? How is that an answer to Habakkuk’s prayer? He wanted an end to the pain, and yet it looked like God was going to make the situation worse. Enslavement by the mighty Chaldeans seemed the unlikeliest solution of all. What Habakkuk didn’t know was that the Chaldeans were merely an object in God’s plan to save His people. Flash forward six hundred years. Israel is awaiting a Messiah, one who would deliver them from their suffering. At that time, the Romans enslaved them. So the Israelites wanted a mighty warrior, the ultimate fighting machine who would propel them to victory. Instead, they received Jesus, a wandering rabbi and his ragtag group of followers. Their hopes apparently ended when He died on the cross at Calvary. What they didn’t know is that the only means of salvation—which is what they had been waiting for—was Christ’s death and resurrection, not His army. His work on the cross and His resurrection from the dead give us hope now and forever. He was and is our answer to “How long?” • Have you had a situation that made you ask, “How long?” • Read Revelation 21:1-5. How does knowing Jesus promises to return to make all things new—free from sin, suffering, and death—affect the way you view suffering in the world? How long, Lord, must I call for help and you do not listen or cry out to you about violence and you do not save? Habakkuk 1:2 (CSB)