A belief, no matter how sincere, if not reflected in reality isn't a belief, it's a delusion.
-Kyle Idleman
Another week comes to an end.
Watching the sunrise from the top of a parking garage this morning was beautiful. Sharing breakfast surrounded by homeless brothers and sisters at Saint Sophia Orthodox Cathedral was equally beautiful.
I wonder what Heaven will be like.
I have a feeling Heaven will be filled with murderers, thieves, rapists, addicts, prostitutes, child molesters, and all the other types of people who aren't allowed in Churches.
It's ironic how most of these people believe they aren't good enough and don't deserve anything. That You couldn't see them, remember them, love them. Yet, it's this exact humility and meekness that You came to accept.
A lot of these people believe that if by some chance they make it to Heaven they wouldn't know a single person because they don't hang around "religious people" I wonder if the exact opposite will occur. If a religious person makes it in they may not know anyone. In fact they may be appalled and outraged at the assembly You have created.
Caiaphas vs the criminal on the cross next to You. The first was a Levitical High Priest, his name and glory shall forever be remembered in this world. Yet, the ladder an unnamed forgotten sinner in this world shall never be forgotten in Heaven.
Circumcised?
Baptized?
Repentance?
Anything at all?
"Don’t you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die? We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn’t done anything wrong. Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.”
I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.
-Jesus
Wow, I am speechless. Three sentences from a man who did something so terrible he deserved to die on a cross and he will forever be in paradise with You. That's it. No baptism or anything.
Make my heart like the man on the cross next to You. Whether death is so obviously eminent or whether I live another 60 years, I am no more loved or wretched than that man.
I deserve to die for my crimes, but You haven't done anything wrong. Jesus, remember me when You come into your Kingdom.
My heart longs to sing forever to the One who poured out His blood and bought my freedom.
Jeff Anderson - Saving One