[The Sun Series] Encouragement In Dark PlacesSample

The Centurion and the Criminal

When trials come our way, we have two choices: to soften or to harden our hearts. We can choose to learn from the trial and draw closer to God, or we can try to get out of the storm as soon as possible, learn nothing from it, and waste the opportunity. We all know that when we do not learn from our experiences, we tend to repeat the same mistakes over and over. 

The events that took place during Jesus’ crucifixion caused a series of different reactions in people that belong to very different social backgrounds and statuses. One of them was a centurion. Centurions were respected and admired, the higher members of the Roman Empire Army. They were chosen by merit, remarkable for their deliberation, constancy, and strength of mind. The centurion that was by the cross, after seeing what had happened before his eyes said, “Surely this was a righteous man.” 

At the same time, besides Jesus, two criminals were being crucified. They had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder. One of them, after seeing that Jesus was innocent and being unjustly punished, said to Jesus, “…remember me when you come into your kingdom.” 

Two completely different people, coming from two utterly distinctive backgrounds, both softened their hearts and recognized that Jesus was the Son of God. It does not matter who you are, where you are coming from, or how important your status in society is. When it comes to the most critical decision you will ever face on Earth, before the cross, you can choose to either soften your heart and recognize that Jesus is the Lord of Lords, or refuse to do so and harden your heart even more (as the other criminal chose to do). The cross gives all human beings equal footing. 

When we go through difficult times, we are confronted with a choice. This choice is not to choose to suffer, but to choose God’s will – whether this means suffering or not. Let us say as Jesus did, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup (suffering) from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” (Luke 22:42) 

Thought of the Day 

When facing trials, choose to soften your heart and pray that God’s will be done in your life.