Are You Broken?

"Then he said to Jesus, 'Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.'"
(Luke 23:42)

"Lord, remember me."

These words were spoken by one of the thieves who hung on a cross beside Jesus during His crucifixion. The word, remember, actually means "consider me or think about me". "Lord, consider me when You come into Your kingdom. I want to be there with you."

But let's dissect the word a little bit. What if we put a hyphen in the middle of it? Re-member. "Lord, re-member me when You come into Your kingdom. Put me back together again, Lord. I am broken in a million places, my mind is in turmoil, my body is weary."

I realize that's not what the thief was saying because Jesus had not yet been resurrected. The work of redemption was not yet finished. BUT, for us, it is complete. So...consider. Are you broken? Do you need the Lord to put you back together again?

Corrie ten Boom writes in her devotional, Each New Day, about a story that took place in Russia. "In Russia, many people lived in a certain apartment house. The basement of the house was filled with the junk of all the families. Amongst the junk was a beautiful harp, which nobody had been able to fix.

"One snowy night, a tramp asked if he could sleep in the building. The people cleared a space for him in the corner of the basement, and he was happy to stay there.

"In a little while, the people heard beautiful music coming from the basement. The owner of the harp rushed downstairs and found the tramp playing it. 'But how could you repair it? We couldn't,' he said.

"The tramp smiled and replied, 'I made this harp years ago, and when you make something, you can also repair it.'"

Sweet friend, nothing is too difficult for God - NOTHING! Our God is able! He is mighty to save - powerful. He is a wonder-working God.

And He loves His children dearly.

Run to Him and declare His goodness. Give Him your broken places, your abundance of tears that flow like a river tumbling endlessly across the barrenness of your soul. He knows you like no other and He stands ready to help you.

Receive His love today, won't you?

Father, We all need to be reminded of this precious truth, but deep in my spirit I believe this is a word for someone in particular, someone you wish to restore to wholeness. I don't know who this sweet child is, but You do, Lord. Hold them close Father. Fill the broken places with the Balm of Gilead, with the soothing caress of Your Holy Spirit. Put them back together again. Thank You, Lord. We give You praise.