Promised Paradise
Remember the journey of life following Jesus leads to paradise.
“The whole Israelite community set out from the Desert of Sin, traveling from place to place as the Lord commanded. They camped at Rephidim, but there was no water for the people to drink. So they quarreled with Moses and said, “Give us water to drink.” Moses replied, “Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you put the Lord to the test?” The Lord answered Moses, “Go out in front of the people. Take with you some of the elders of Israel and take in your hand the staff with which you struck the Nile, and go. I will stand there before you by the rock at Horeb. Strike the rock, and water will come out of it for the people to drink.”
Exodus 17:1-2, 5-6, 8-9, 11-12
Moses was caught between a rock and a hard place. The people were thirsty. They were in the middle of the desert and God had not given clear instructions. It makes you wonder why Moses did not ask for directions or help sooner. As soon as he asks the Lord miraculously produces water from a rock.
What can we learn from this story about the uncertainty we face in life? What can we learn about the importance of talking with God regularly and asking for what we need?
“May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine on us— so that your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations.”
Psalms 67:1-2
We often measure God's grace by how He answers our prayers for immediate needs. David praises God for how He meets his eternal needs for himself and the world around him. Can you think of a time you have felt God's grace, blessing and face shining on you? Have you shared the story with others?
“All a person’s ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the Lord. Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps. Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.”
Proverbs 16:1-3, 9, 18, 20, 25
What does it mean to commit to the Lord with whatever you do? Wisdom says that there is a process of surrender and emptying one's own pride in order to get into alignment with God. When you consider the times in your life where you have felt the most distant from God, what led you there? Was there a way that seemed right, but was not led by godly desires?
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart...go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord. They will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you and will rescue you"
Jeremiah 1:5-8, 19
Paul writes in Romans that we are not made to conform to the world, but be transformed. Conformity steal the uniqueness of each of our identities. God says you are uniquely and wonderfully made. You are known when you were formed in the womb and made to live out divine purposes. Where is fear creating a barrier to walking by faith today? What can you do to overcome?
“Crucify him! Crucify him...Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing...One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise...Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last."
Luke 23:3-4, 16, 20-21, 25, 32, 34, 36-47, 50, 52-53, 55
Jesus is brought before the rulers and found not guilty, but the verdict was overruled by the mob who desired the harshest form of death normally reserved for the worst criminals. Jesus was crucified on the cross and even in the most painful moment was advocating for God's mercy.
One man, who we only know as a criminal, took Jesus up on his invitation to believe that He is the Messiah. In one of the most powerful and remarkable promises we hear in scripture, Jesus promises the repentant criminal everlasting life in paradise with Him. The criminal never read the Bible, didn't go to church, never followed the Law, didn't tithe or contribute to helping others. So what did he do that helped him gain eternal salvation? He believed with his heart and confessed with his mouth that Jesus is the messiah. He responded to the invitation to relationship, even if only for a short while hanging on a cross.
Proverbs says there is a way that leads to death. Jesus says I am the way that leads to life. I am the one who can make you whole. I am the one who promises and will lead you to paradise if only you would choose to devote your heart to me. Have you given Jesus your best? Are you all in with the All in All?