"Jesus, remember me when you come
into your kingdom." The guilty one anticipates the kingdom of the innocent one.
Without hesitating Jesus answers the prayer that is a plea with the promise of
paradise, today. Of all the stories told about Jesus; walking on water, feeding
five thousand, healing the blind, lame, and deaf, exorcising demons and yes,
even raising a dead friend, this story at the end of Jesus’ life defines the
royal character of Christ the King. “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over
them… but I am among you as one who serves.” The one Jesus called Abba said it
this way “I desire mercy not sacrifice.” In light of God’s own stated
preference how can one continue to hold onto the idea that the righteous rage
of Abba could only be appeased by the blood sacrifice of the innocent Son
dearly loved?
No. In
the promise of paradise to a criminal justly condemned, in forgiving those who
sure as hell knew what they were doing, the character of God is revealed and by
descending to the place of the dead we are guaranteed there will be no where
God is not. Jesus. Remember me.
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