FRIDAY, JUNE 21
Scripture: Matthew 27:38-44; Luke 23:39-43

In Matthew 27:38-44 we are told that two robbers were crucified with Jesus. During the crucifixion, people who passed by were blaspheming, mocking and taunting Jesus, including the chief priest. Verses 39-44 says, “And those who passed by blasphemed Him, wagging their heads and saying, ‘You who destroy the temple and build it in three days, save Yourself! If You are the Son of God, come down from the cross.’ Likewise the chief priests also, mocking with the scribes and elders, said, ‘He saved others; Himself He cannot save. If He is the King of Israel, let Him now come down from the cross, and we will believe Him. He trusted in God; let Him deliver Him now if He will have Him; for He said, ‘I am the Son of God.’ Even the robbers who were crucified with Him reviled Him with the same thing.” This account gives us a picture of the men who were crucified with Christ. The two robbers joined the others in mocking Jesus. The account in Luke 23 reveals a stunning example of God’s acceptance and longsuffering. Luke 23:39-43 says, “Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, ’If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us.’ But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, ‘Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.’ Then he said to Jesus, ‘Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.’” Here we are told that one robber had a change of heart. He started out in mockery and taunted Jesus like everyone else. But somehow during the few hours prior to death, this thief changed his mind and repented. He cried out to God and God accepted him in the last hours of his life. That is mercy in action! Why would we tolerate any accusation from demons that we are not acceptable to God when we have this testimony written so clearly in the Word! It is time we renewed our mind and understood that when God accepts us, it is complete! We are engrafted into His Family once and for all. No weapon formed against us will prosper and every tongue that rises against us in judgment we are to condemn! When the voice of the enemy is causing havoc in our thoughts, that is exactly what we must do!