"Father, forgive them..."

Every first Sunday of the month, we at NOAH Fellowship, Bacong, Negros Oriental, Philippines, celebrate the Lord's Table (Communion). On this particular Sunday (March 4, 2007), we were in the New Testament book of Matthew chapter 27. We were studying and looking at the unjust trial, mockings, beatings and ultimate crucifixion of the Lord Jesus Christ. In Matthew 27:44 it says: "The robbers who had been crucified with Him were also insulting Him...", and in the book of Mark 15:32(b) it says: "Those who were crucified with Him were also insulting Him." What amazed and inspired me most is the account of Luke 23:33-43 wherein we find that the criminals who were crucified on the right and left of Jesus heard His first cry on the cross, "Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing." This cry of forgiveness that the Lord Jesus Christ uttered made an internal change for good in the heart of one of the robbers which led him to rebuke the other criminal who was insulting Jesus and ultimately led him to believe that Jesus is true GOD and true man and made him cry out himself in repentance, "Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom!" Jesus answered him, ..."Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise." Oh the power of GOD's forgiving love that can melt and open up the heart of a dying criminal. I remember the lyrics of a song: "Amazing love how can it be that you my King would die for me; Amazing love I know its true!...Friend, have you honestly cried out to GOD..."Lord, save me!" Have you honestly repented of your sins and believe with all your heart that... "Christ died for your sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures." Have you sincerely accepted Jesus as your personal Savior and Lord of your life? This is my heart's desire and prayer for you.