Many Won't Believe
Friend, just like in the days when Jesus was on the earth, curing people, displaying outright miracles before their eyes, people still will not believe in Him.
When we look at the crosses on Calvary's Hill at the time of Jesus's Crucifixion we see there were three.
A criminal was let go in order to have a cross for an innocent man; Jesus.
Jesus was in the middle with a man on his left and a man on is right.
Shortly before Jesus died, one of the men spoke to Him.
Luke 23 King James Version
42And he said unto Jesus, "Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom."
43And Jesus said unto him, "Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise."
The Bible is helpful to us today when we read of this day of our Lord Jesus.
One man was a scoffer, a non believer, who voiced the opinion of many in the crowd who had come to watch the proceedings. "Let Him save Himself if He is Christ," with the silent accusation that He was a phony.
But the other, seemingly more thoughtful person had deduced His innocence and by The Holy Spirit had ascertained that He was God's Son, the long awaited Messiah. "Lord remember me when You come into Your Kingdom," he said, and Jesus detected the humble repentant heart.
Jesus's answer surprises some people but this is Who God Is! That simple mustard seed size of faith gained entry for this man's soul to The Kingdom; right at the very end of his life.
Yes after a life of crime; silliness, foolishness, goofiness and possible maliciousness, this man by faith in Jesus as His King, at the very last minute, gained Everlasting Life.
A little faith, a beginning faith, a repentant heart and a humbled mind that understood Jesus was The Christ of God, The Messiah, was the catalyst that brought into being a faith that God accepted.
The man didn't even understand that he had just gained Eternal Life. He was just making a short statement to Jesus with one request, "Remember me, Lord."
It was the end of his life and he spoke simply and truthfully.
And the other gained nothing but his just reward of punishment for his unrepentance.
That man to the end of his life did not change his belief. He wouldn't see the Goodness in Jesus. He preferred his own self will. He would not hand it over
That is how Good our God Is. He allows us to make the choice; for Him or not for Him.
Even the second man had rebuked the first scoffer so there was a chance for him to respond differently, but he held fast to his scoffing ways.
It's a picture of mankind today.
Many just won't believe. They keep their ears stopped up and scales over their eyes.
But friend, if this is you, consider what Jesus has done for you. He will Forgive you when you recognise Him for Who He Is, and not the Jesus you think He Is, unworthy of your faith.