honoluluadvertiser.com

Sponsored by:

Comment, blog & share photos

Log in | Become a member
The Honolulu Advertiser

Posted on: Saturday, May 14, 2005

EXPRESSIONS OF FAITH

Don't miss chance to know God

By Russell Stephen Pang

Is "trash talk" a recent phenomenon?

Scripture records that when Jesus was crucified between two criminals, the crowd watched as the leaders laughed and scoffed: "He saved others, let him save himself if he is really God's chosen one, the Messiah."

The soldiers mocked Jesus by offering sour wine and calling out: "If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself."

Then one of the criminals insulted him: "So you're the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself and us too, while you're at it."

The second criminal rebuked the first criminal: "Don't you fear God even when you are dying? We deserve to die for our evil deeds, but this man hasn't done anything wrong."

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

Jesus replied: "I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise."

From what the second criminal said, he knew about respecting God. Also, he had a sense of morality and justice. He knew he was a sinner whose evil deeds deserved death and that Jesus was innocent.

Further, he knew about an afterlife and knew he was headed for hell. He realized his desperate need and knew Jesus was his only hope.

He was wise and bold. He asked Jesus for favor and was rewarded for faith in God.

As we read this, do we identify with this second criminal in any way?

Some might be thinking, what a curious question? We're not criminals, actually we're quite good people.

Yet our goodness fails to meet God's standard of righteousness.

Is our fear of God genuine?

Do we believe in eternal life?

Do we realize our desperate need?

Do we have faith to ask: "Jesus, remember me"?

Many will say the second criminal was one lucky guy. I say he had great timing as he seized the moment to secure God's grace while the first criminal did not.

May we humbly begin or renew a friendship with Jesus.

Russell Stephen Pang is a member of First Presbyterian Church. Expressions of Faith is a column that welcomes written works by pastors, priests, lay people and other leaders in faith and spirituality. E-mail faith@honoluluadvertiser.com or call 525-8035. Articles submitted to The Advertiser may be published or distributed in print, electronic or other forms.