What Will You Do With Jesus?

Life is filled with decisions. Many of the decisions we make throughout the day are carried out without much thought given—what road we will travel; what clothes we will wear; where we will eat our next meal—although we may give each a bit of consideration rarely is there much.

Then, there are the times we are confronted by more important decisions that require a great deal more consideration—purchasing a car or a home; having another child—things like these involve more thought and consideration.

There is, however, the ultimate decision every individual is forced to make at one time or another in their life. With Jesus standing before him, Pilate turned to the crowd and he asked them that single most important question that each of us must deal personally with at one time or another in this life: “What should I do then with Jesus, who is called Messiah?” (Matthew 27:22 HCSB).

That one question bears down on the heart of every human at some point and the response each makes determines where they will spend their eternity. No other decision we are confronted with in life carries the massive weight that this one does. You must live with the consequences of your personal response forever and ever!

After a short time, Pilate carried out the decision of the people and had Jesus crucified between two thieves. With but a few short breaths left, only moments left in each of their lives, hanging between life and death with the only means of eternal salvation staring each in the face, each had to make a decision what they would do with this One called Jesus.

Eternity for each was hanging in the balance. One, looked at Jesus, mocked and cursed Him and soon slipped forever into an eternity of hell by his own choosing. His heart remained hard and unchanged and he will forever remember that moment when salvation came knocking on his life’s door and rejected it.

The other thief, understanding his situation and realizing his punishment was justified, looked to the middle cross and saw a Savior. As he turned toward Jesus, he saw life. In the eyes of the Messiah, he saw hope in the midst of his hopelessness. “He said, ‘Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom!’” (Luke 23:39-42 HCSB).

Each of us has that moment in time when GOD’s Spirit pricks our heart as He confronts us with the desperation and hopelessness of our personal eternal situation. He asks each of us: What will you do with Jesus? Will you think about and get back to Him some other time? Will you put it off until you’ve enjoyed everything you think this world has to offer and then find Jesus at the very end?

You are not promised another moment in time. You have no guarantee that you will live to see tomorrow. But, you do have the promise of an eternity that will never end. The response you give to the question: What will you do with Jesus?—determines your eternal destiny.

One thief died with the Savior but an arm’s reach away but his heart distanced by the hardness of the life he had chosen to live. He rejected his only hope and that man will painfully regret the decision he made on that day.

The other thief saw hope and in the desperation of his moment—desiring peace in his heart—in the midst of all the chaos—he turned to Jesus! To this man, Jesus responded: “I assure you: Today you will be with Me in paradise” (Luke 23:43 HCSB). Today and for all eternity, that thief, who became a son of the living GOD, will rejoice in the presence of the One who gave him hope when he was immersed in hopelessness.

What will you do with Jesus today? Don’t put off to another day. You never know when life will abruptly end and you will be staring eternity in the face. Choose Jesus as your Savior!

Scripture Reading: “The Lord judges the peoples; vindicate me, Lord, according to my righteousness and my integrity. Let the evil of the wicked come to an end, but establish the righteous. The One who examines the thoughts and emotions is a righteous God. My shield is with God, who saves the upright in heart. God is a righteous judge, and a God who executes justice every day. If anyone does not repent, God will sharpen His sword; He has strung His bow and made it ready” (Psalm 7:8-12 HCSB).

Personal Prayer: Father GOD, I need Jesus! My life is in disarray; my choices condemn me; I find myself living in eternal hopelessness; yet, I feel Your Spirit speaking to my heart, calling me out of the wickedness and into Your glorious Light. Please forgive me for my sins and failures. Cleanse my wicked heart and give me a new heart and a new life filled with You. I surrender completely to You today, O GOD! Thank You for Jesus; thank You for saving me…in Jesus’ name…AMEN!