The Shadow Of Gestas And Light Of Dismas Series

Jesus said something that would even sound more foolish to the human ear. He who was hanging on the cross and dying as a criminal confirmed His mercy within Dismas’ heart by promising him, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.” Jesus promised this believer who happened to also be a convicted criminal and mocker that he would be with him in paradise.

What a sweet and enlightening thing to hear! Jesus would forget all about Dismas’ past and give him a heavenly future, on the same day of Dismas’ death. God worked faith in one of the most hardened criminals who had just earlier hurled insults at Jesus! Just prior to his death he was rescued from the gates of hell, not given the eternal hell he deserved; all through faith in the Messiah hanging next to him.

Sometime in life we will all find ourselves either hanging on a cross of some sort or watch someone else hanging on for their own life. It is at that point that you will face the shadow and light of Gestas and Dismas. A part of you will want to shake your fist at God, wondering why He didn’t give you more special treatment as a Christian and keep you from such suffering. Yet you will also fear that there is a reason behind this, that you haven’t lived a life that deserves any better. The shadows will creep in you.

When you find yourself hanging by a thread; feeling the weight of justice on your head with an utter feeling of worthlessness, say a simple prayer to Jesus, “Remember me.” It is not a prayer of arrogance. It is a prayer of faith and hope; recognize that Jesus does not hate you. God doesn’t have it out for you. He loves you. He died for you. He wants you in heaven.

If Jesus’ sacrifice paid for the Dismas and his insults and gave him a clear bill even so late in his life, then why would you think His mercy and forgiveness has changed or would be any different with you? You have no reason to turn to the shadow of Gestas, when you have already been shown the light of Dismas. Remember who Jesus is when you face suffering and death and He will remember who you are; His baptized child that He has forgiven and He loves into paradise. Amen.