Opening Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you that because of your
cross we are now able to join you in Paradise.
O how we long for that day. Help
that longing to be what guides our steps and our efforts this day for your
Kingdom. Amen.
Scripture: Luke 23:32-43
Journal: Put yourself in the scene. Imagine being each of the thieves. As you see Jesus dying on the cross, what is
your response? What do his words “Today
you will be with me in Paradise” do within you?
Reflection:
Jesus called it Paradise. The Greek word is paradeisos, which comes
from a Persian word meaning a garden or well-watered preserve. It is a place of beauty, a place of life, a place
of abundance, a garden of both pleasure and delight. The early church Fathers equated it to the
place our first parents dwelt before the fall, yet not of this world but
somehow above and beyond it. That’s a
pretty magnificent place.
But the place might not be the most
magnificent part of what Jesus says. For
he goes on to say, “Today you will be with me in Paradise.” I think all too often we get caught up in the
what of heaven and miss out on the who. We get so sidetracked trying to imagine
what heaven will be like that we miss the best part; we will be with Jesus—the
Creator and Lover of our souls—for all eternity. Therefore, it is Paradise not because of what
is there, it is Paradise because of who is there.
Prayers
Closing Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you that you promise us
Paradise—life with you forever.
Thank you that you are the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and
the end. Thank you that you will
quench our thirsty hearts and souls.
Thank you that you will give us drink from the wells of the water
of life. Thank you that we will be able
to drink of you for all eternity.
Amen.
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