The Beauty of When Jesus Remembers You in His Paradise

 

An Emoji Devotions for Wed 26th Feb, 2025

Topic: The Beauty of When Jesus Remembers You in His Paradise

Highlight:
“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.’”  Luke 23:42-43 

The criminal’s request is a plea for mercy and acknowledgment. He believes in Jesus’ power to save beyond death. In a moment of desperation, hanging on a cross beside the Savior, he dares to hope in a future he cannot see. And Jesus, in His boundless grace, promises him paradise—not tomorrow, not after judgment, but "today". What a breathtaking revelation of mercy!


Imagine the scene: two criminals crucified beside Jesus, the sky darkening, the weight of sin and shame pressing down. One mocks, but the other sees something different—he sees a King, not a condemned man. He doesn’t ask for rescue from the cross; he asks to be "remembered". And in that plea lies the beauty of faith: trusting Jesus’ authority even when all seems lost. 

The word “paradise” here isn’t just a pretty place—it’s the restoration of Eden, the presence of God, a promise of eternal peace. Revelation 2:7 ties it to the “tree of life,” a symbol of unending fellowship with the Creator. The criminal, who deserved death, is granted life—not because of his works, but because of his faith in the One who overcomes death. 

Key Points About the Blessings of Paradise:

Restoration:

Paradise is where the broken are made whole. Revelation 21:4 paints it vividly: “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain.” The criminal’s past, his guilt, his scars—all erased in the light of Jesus’ promise. 

Presence:
To be with Jesus in paradise is to dwell with Him forever. John 14:3 says, “I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” It’s not just a location; it’s a relationship—intimate, eternal, unshakable. 

Victory:
The criminal’s story shows that paradise is for the undeserving who trust in Jesus. Romans 5:8 reminds us, “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” His plea wasn’t too late; Jesus’ mercy is never out of reach. 

Luke 23:43 is a lifeline thrown to humanity: “Today you will be with me.” Not a distant hope, but an immediate assurance. The beauty lies in this: Jesus remembers us in our lowest moments and lifts us to His highest glory. The cross becomes a gateway to paradise, where the thief—and all who believe—find a home. 

Think of it—paradise isn’t earned; it’s gifted. The criminal had no time to reform, no deeds to offer, yet Jesus saw his heart. That’s the beauty of it: a Savior who remembers the forgotten, who turns a dying whisper into an eternal welcome. 

Prayer:
Merciful Jesus, King of paradise, thank You for remembering me right now. Open my eyes to the beauty of Your grace that promises me a place with You. Strengthen my faith to trust You, even in my darkest hours, and let me rest in the hope of paradise where all is made new. Amen.