One of the criminals hanging alongside cursed him: “Some Messiah you are! Save yourself! Save us!” But the other one made him shut up: “Have you no fear of God? You’re getting the same as him. We deserve this, but not him—he did nothing to deserve this.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you enter your kingdom.” He said, “Don’t worry, I will. Today you will join me in paradise.” Luke 23:39-43 The Message

There wasn’t anytime to offer sacrifices. It was ending breath by breath in front of everybody. Some showed up just for the show. He had lived all his life and now at the last gasp, he grasped hold of Jesus from a few feet away on his cross. He may have been called a prince of crime. Jesus already cornered the title: King of the Jews. His cellmate tried sarcastically to humiliate Christ even further. He would not realize until his moment appeared, that he had wasted the eternal moment before him. It would be too late, just as it is for anyone who doesn’t turn to Jesus at any moment.

So, this criminal prince, he bowed his head, confessed his sins, and accepted Jesus into his life? His lasting witness is one of faith’s greatest conversions. All he said was Jesus, remember me when you enter your kingdom. If possible, his life was lower than the prodigal son waking up in pig slop.(editor’s note: No one wins a prize for earning the lowest of the lows before a Holy God. He only sees and receives lives exchanged with His Son’s life.) He was guilty and knew it. He didn’t have any life currency to bargain. He only had a sin resume that was almost expired. All that changed in his moment. He simply, honestly, and with all he was, asked Jesus to remember him in His kingdom, not a bad way to start the rest of your life. He wouldn’t have to wait. Jesus scheduled his arrival: Today you will join me in paradise. It’s amazing isn’t it? God doesn’t remember your sins, and Jesus doesn’t forget your name, not a bad way to start Today. It only takes a moment.