Scripture Scribbles: November 20, 2022

the Gospel

Luke 23:35-43

The rulers sneered at Jesus and said,

"He saved others, let him save himself

if he is the chosen one, the Christ of God."

Even the soldiers jeered at him.

As they approached to offer him wine they called out,

"If you are King of the Jews, save yourself."

Above him there was an inscription that read,

"This is the King of the Jews."

Now one of the criminals hanging there reviled Jesus, saying,

"Are you not the Christ?

Save yourself and us."

The other, however, rebuking him, said in reply,

"Have you no fear of God,

for you are subject to the same condemnation?

And indeed, we have been condemned justly,

for the sentence we received corresponds to our crimes,

but this man has done nothing criminal."

Then he said,

"Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom."

He replied to him,

"Amen, I say to you,

today you will be with me in Paradise."

the devotion

“Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.”

The Taize song rattles in my mind as I read this Gospel. Kingdom. What is God’s Kingdom? How am I a part of this Kingdom and am I asking Jesus to remember me - to have mercy on me - when I die? More questions than answers flood my heart. Sneered. How often have I sneered at a person less fortunate than I? Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom. How often have I scoffed at someone who slighted me in some minor (or major) offense? Shepherd of Souls, remember me when you come into your Kingdom. When have I pointed out another’s sins so I don’t have to focus on mine? God of Mercy, remember me when you come into your kingdom. When have I checked out, doom-scrolled, or distracted myself so I don’t have to confront suffering? King of the Universe, remember me when you come into your kingdom.

Our God is the God of the Universe, the King of the Universe. Jesus is the King of the Universe - the infinite stars above, the billions of planets, the uncountable galaxies that stretch beyond our comprehension reminding us that we are but a microscopic blip in His creation.

And there He is, the King of the Universe, choosing freely to hang on a cross next to two sinful, seemingly insignificant people (insert self here). He cares. He’s merciful. We will be with Him in Paradise if we humbly ask. He remembers us when he comes into His Kingdom.

That is the King of the Universe.

Today’s devotion was written by Diana Giard