Meeting God on my terms not His.
Today my scripture reading was Luke 23:32-43, Crucifixion of Christ. This part of the Gospels always moves me. Always makes me think.
First, here was this man, beautiful, smart, loving man. He did no wrong, But our pride, our sins, caused him to be put on the cross. To die the death of criminals. What is his response? Does he curse those that put him to death? Does he curse God for bringing him to this place of suffering? Does he say "woe is me"?
No, he says "Father forgive them for they know not what they do!" He asks for our forgiveness. For man's forgiveness. That is the ultimate love.
Then we go to the criminals. Here is where I think about meeting God on my terms not his. There are two criminals crucified with Christ.
One reviles him. This one says "if you are the Messiah save yourself and us". This is what I do, what we do. If you are God prove it. Show yourself. Make some miracle happen. Prove to me that I should believe.
The other one says. "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." (Luke 23:40-42)
This second man meets God on God's terms. He acknowledges God, he acknowledges his sin, he asks for forgiveness. He doesn't do it because he wants something. He does it because he believes.
I want things to be a certain way in my life. I have my own ideas on how I want to live. I have my own thoughts on what I want for those around me, those I love. I have a tendency to be like the first man. God show yourself. God perform this miracle, please.
I strive to be more like the second. I have sinned against you Lord, I have not loved this world and those around me as I should. I love you Lord, lead my life, guide my life, so I can emulate your love for the world. Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.
