September 24, 2026
A man dying beside Jesus acknowledges his guilt and asks to be remembered. Jesus promises him life in His presence that very day.
Devotional
Some regrets come with a calendar attached. We know how many years we waited, how long we stayed away, or how much time passed before we admitted we needed help. The question beneath those memories can be painful: have I left it too late for anything good to come from my life?
The man beside Jesus has almost no time left. He cannot build a record of service or return to repair everything he has done. He acknowledges his guilt and turns toward the One whose innocence he recognizes. His request is simple, and Jesus answers with a promise of being with Him.
This man isn’t offered a lesser mercy because his faith comes near the end. His hope rests entirely in Jesus. That doesn’t make his wrongdoing harmless, and it doesn’t teach us to postpone responding to God. It shows how fully salvation depends on the Savior rather than the amount of time we have available to prove ourselves.
Most of us reading this still have opportunities to act. There may be someone to apologize to, a harmful habit to confront, or a neglected calling to answer. We don’t need to recreate a different past before beginning. We can take responsibility for what has been ours to do and trust Christ with what cannot be changed.
The next faithful step may be small. Take it today. You aren’t trying to persuade Jesus to become merciful. You’re responding to the mercy He has already made known.
Action
Choose one faithful step you’ve postponed. Offer the apology, ask for help, return to prayer, or begin the act of service. Let today be a beginning.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, I bring You the years I cannot recover and the choices I wish I could change. Thank You that my hope rests in Your mercy. Forgive my sins, give me courage to accept responsibility, and show me the next step I can take today. Keep regret from becoming an excuse to remain where I am. Help me trust You with what is beyond repair and follow You in the opportunities still before me. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Thought for the Day
You cannot rewrite yesterday, but you can respond to Christ today.
Have you wondered whether you’ve waited too long to begin again? Luke 23:39–43 tells us about the mercy Jesus offers a dying man. We can trust Him with our regrets and take the next faithful step today.
