“But the other criminal rebuked him. ‘Don’t you fear God,’ he said, ‘since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.’
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 23:40-43
In April 2016, the body of 71-year-old Father Rene Robert, of St Augustine, Florida, was found riddled with bullets in Georgia. Authorities said Steven Murray, whom Father Robert had been trying to help for months, killed him. Murray, a repeat offender, had asked the priest for a ride in Jacksonville, Florida, before abducting and murdering him, authorities said.
At the time of the trial, the prosecutor was pushing for the death penalty.
But Father Robert foresaw his possible murder. He had devoted his life to helping society's most troubled people, including convicts and the mentally afflicted. Twenty-two year earlier in 1995, the priest had signed a "Declaration of Life" document, which was witnessed and notarized by a lawyer. Father Robert wrote: "I request that the person found guilty of homicide for my killing not be subject to or put in jeopardy of the death penalty under any circumstances."
The Declaration of Life requested that whoever took his life be spared execution "no matter how heinous their crime or how much I may have suffered."
Archbishop Wilton Gregory said: “He was well aware for the potential violence that might involve his ministry, but he cared for those people nonetheless.”
On Good Friday, Jesus died for our sins. He foresaw his own murder and yet forgave us. Today in prayer, give thanks to the Lord for forgiving you of your sins.
“God led Jesus to a cross, not a crown, and yet that cross ultimately proved to be the gateway to freedom and forgiveness for every sinner in the world.” – Bill Hybels
God’s Word: “I can assure you that when you speak judgment here on earth, it will be God’s judgment. And when you promise forgiveness here on earth, it will be God’s forgiveness.” – Matthew 18:18 (ERV)
By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2017, Devotional E-Mail
DEVOTION FOR GOOD FRIDAY