A Crucial Choice to Make

Life is filled with choices. Every day we are bombarded by choices we have to make. Some are made with little hesitation or consideration while others may require time to think. All choices result in consequences—some of which have serious implications.

I am reminded of the situation that took place as Jesus was hanging on the cross. The Scripture tells it like this: “Then one of the criminals hanging there began to yell insults at Him: ‘Aren’t You the Messiah? Save Yourself and us!’ But the other answered, rebuking him: ‘Don’t you even fear God, since you are undergoing the same punishment? We are punished justly, because we’re getting back what we deserve for the things we did, but this man has done nothing wrong.’ Then he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom!’” (Luke 23:39-42).

You have two men convicted of the same crime, receiving the same punishment, confronted with the same crucial choice to make—but two very different choices are made. Can you see yourself in what is taking place in this scene? Can you see yourself confronted by the fact of your own sin, the consequences for that sin and the choice you will make?

The one man’s heart was hard. He refused to recognize his impending death and coming judgment—choosing rather to rebuke the only means of his eternal salvation. How often have you done the same thing by your refusal to make the right choice concerning your eternity?

The other man displayed remorse; he understood his situation and how he got there. He understood he was condemned to everlasting punishment because of his past choices. But, he recognized that Jesus had something much better for him. He chose Jesus. He chose eternal life.

The hardened man slipped into eternity without a Savior choosing rather to face his judgment and to receive his just sentence of eternal separation from GOD in an eternal hell. Whereas, the other man recognized Jesus as his only means of eternal salvation and turned his heart and life over to Him at that very crucial moment in time. To this man, Jesus responded: “I assure you: Today you will be with Me in paradise” (v. 43).

Today is a crucial day for you! The Scripture says: “Today is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2 NLT). You have a crucial choice to make today. Putting off such a crucial decision to another day that may never come, is a gamble with eternal consequences you don’t really want to face. Recognize Christ as your Savior. Choose life today through Jesus Christ by making Him the Lord and Savior of your life.

Scripture Reading: “If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved….For everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved” (Romans 10:9,10,13 NLT).

Prayer: Father in heaven, today I find myself faced with the most crucial decision I will ever have to make. I realize my situation, my sin and the eternal consequences for my sin. I recognize today I am lost and in desperate need of a Savior. Today, I choose Jesus. Jesus, I surrender my life to You. Come and take control of me by the power of Your Holy Spirit. Cleanse me with Your shed blood and bring me into a right relationship with the Father above. Thank you for dying for me and for saving me. I love you!…in Jesus’ name…AMEN!