Send us Fan Mail The 2nd of the 7 last words of Jesus recorded live at First AME Church, Athens, Georgia The Promise Of Paradise You know, as we grow older, we find ourselves thinking about death more often. And if we’re honest, it’s because we’re confronted with it more. With every passing year, more classmates, more friends, more loved ones transition from this life. Our bodies begin to feel the weight of time—aches, sickness, limitations. And somewhere deep within, we recognize a sobering truth: we have lived more days than we likely have left to live. For many of us, being confronted with death becomes part of the aging process. But for a seven-year-old child, that reality feels out of place. It feels too soon. Yet when young Cadance Trasher lost his friend Josiah, death entered his world in a way it never should have. And with childlike honesty, he asked his praying grandmother, “What happens when we die?” She answered with one word: Paradise. That single word echoes the promise of Jesus in Luke 23:43: “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” In His second word from the cross, Jesus speaks not condemnation, but hope. Not judgment, but salvation. He speaks to a dying criminal—someone with no time left to make amends, no opportunity to rewrite his story. Yet in a single moment of faith, everything changed. That is the power of grace—instant, undeserved, and life-transforming. The thief recognized Jesus as King, even in suffering. And that simple act of faith unlocked forgiveness, redemption, and eternal life. It reminds us tonight that it is never too late. No matter your past, your pain, your mistakes, or your brokenness—Jesus still saves. Paradise is where the thief went. Paradise is where Josiah has gone. And paradise is where we can go. We live in a world that tells us to earn, achieve, and prove our worth. But the cross declares something different: salvation is a gift. You don’t work for it—you receive it. One moment of surrender can rewrite your entire story. So I ask you tonight—what are you holding onto? Guilt? Shame? Regret? Because Jesus is still speaking: Today. Not tomorrow. Not when you get it all together. Not when you feel worthy. But right now. And as I take my seat, while the thief and Josiah rest in paradise, I leave you with this question: What is keeping you from fully receiving God’s grace today? For when you do, the words of Jesus will become your reality: “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise. For More Great Content Go To Marben Bland.com
