When Jesus called to Saul, he heard and obeyed.

So too must we obey the Savior's voice.

Jesus' final words to the disciples defined

their mission and their message.

In the appearance by the sea, Jesus sought

their trust, their service, and their devotion.

To the disciples, and to us, Jesus spoke of

peace, purpose, provision, proclamation, proof, and promise.

Regardless of how things look or feel, Jesus is

always right there with us on our journey, getting us through.

Jesus said we no longer need weep, but ought rather

rejoice. He calls us by name, and reminds us that He has work for us to do, and a promise in which we can hope.

Jesus FINISHED the work of redemption,

GAVE HIS LIFE on the cross, and then ROSE AGAIN to prove His claims.

Jesus was forsaken so that we might not be. He

suffered thirst so that we might never thirst again.

Jesus never stopped caring for His own.

The lesson of the thief is not to put off trusting Christ until the last minute, but rather to grab the opportunity to be saved the second it appears.