God of Mercy

“Today you will be with me in Paradise.” Luke 23:43

Are you overwhelmed by your guilt? Do you believe you are 'too far gone' for God to help you? Look at the criminal on the cross beside Jesus.

But the other criminal rebuked him. "Don't you fear God," he said, "since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong." -Luke 23:40-41

The criminal saw his guilt, he knew that he had been justly punished, he also knew that Jesus was completely innocent. Continueing on to verse 42:

Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom."

He asked Jesus for mercy. Had he asked anyone else they would have turned him down, reminding him of the sins he had committed - Sounds like the Old Covenant, doesn't it. But Jesus was even at that very moment, creating a new covenant, giving us mercy. And here in verse 43 are those wonderful comforting words:

Jesus answered him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise."

All that Jesus could offer him was death, but it was death with Jesus, true paradise. The most merciful thing Jesus could do. So what will you do, hanging on your cross today? Will you continue to be condemned by the Old Covenant, or will you ask Jesus for his Mercy, death and resurrection in Jesus Christ? He offers you mercy, free today.