CHRIST THE KING!

Luke 23:33-43

When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified Jesus there with the criminals, one on his right and one on his left.

Then Jesus said, "Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing." And they cast lots to divide his clothing.

And the people stood by, watching; but the leaders scoffed at him, saying, "He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Messiah of God, his chosen one!"

The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine, and saying, "If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!"

There was also an inscription over him, "This is the King of the Jews."

One of the criminals who were hanged there kept deriding him and saying, "Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us!"

But the other rebuked him, saying, "Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed have been condemned justly, for we are getting what we deserve for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong."

Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." He replied, "Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise."


DEVOTION

I am so glad that this world is not all that there is!

Many of us feel dismay when we turn on the television, computer, or radio or read the newspaper.

It is shocking how much we need the Reign of God to break into our every day lives! And it does time and time again. Sometimes, it is the people of God, being the hands, feet, and smile of God that ushers the Kingdom of Love into circumstances and situations. Other times, God just reaches in and offers love when we need it most.

This happened for the dying thief on the cross when Jesus said, "Today you will be with me in Paradise." It happened for others when they were hungry and someone fed them, thirsty and someone offered water, sick and someone prayed...

It's an awesome thing when those of us who serve the Kingdom of Love are about God's work with our hands!

On this Christ the King Sunday aren't you glad that Jesus is the King of Kings? Aren't you happy that we can bow in reverence now, and that all will bow in reverence later?

I love our King! He's just so good!


Let's pray: Oh God, thank you for Christ my King! Thank you for his life, death, and resurrection. Thank you for making provision for my sin to be forgiven and for me to inherit eternal life. It is my pleasure to serve the Kingdom of Love and it is my joy to bow before the King of Kings, Jesus who is the Christ! I pray this in Jesus' Name, Amen.


INVITATION
If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, “Come to Jesus” @ http://bit.ly/JVhaLta