The Daily Fountain Devotional of the Church Of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) 3 April 2026 – Hope In The Darkest Hour
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TOPIC: Hope In The Darkest Hour
READ: Luke 23:33-49 (KJV)
33 And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left.
34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.
35 And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided him, saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God.
36 And the soldiers also mocked him, coming to him, and offering him vinegar,
37 And saying, If thou be the king of the Jews, save thyself.
38 And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, This Is The King Of The Jews.
39 And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.
40 But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?
41 And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.
42 And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.
43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.
44 And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour.
45 And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst.
46 And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost.
47 Now when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, Certainly this was a righteous man.
48 And all the people that came together to that sight, beholding the things which were done, smote their breasts, and returned.
49 And all his acquaintance, and the women that followed him from Galilee, stood afar off, beholding these things.
THE MESSAGE:
Today’s passage describes the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and highlights His final moments on the cross. As Jesus hung on the cross, He prayed for those who crucified Him, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34). This demonstration of forgiveness and compassion amazed a Roman centurion, who later declared Jesus a righteous man (Luke 23:47). Meanwhile, one of the criminals crucified alongside Jesus, recognized His righteousness and divinity and appealed, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom” (Luke 23:42). Jesus responded with gracious assurance, “Today, you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43). Even in His darkest hour, Jesus offered salvation and hope to those around Him.
Beloved in Christ, Jesus’ prayer for His persecutors demonstrates the importance of forgiving others in the face of injustice. It might be difficult but God calls us to a life of forgiveness, even to the undeserving. Jesus’ promise to the criminal illustrates God’s willingness to save and forgive, regardless of past mistakes. Whatever evil or crime one has done is no barrier for acceptance into the kingdom of God. Jesus offers direct access to salvation to persons worthy of the most extreme punishment for their sins. It is never too late for anyone who is willing to repent and receive Jesus today. There is hope even in the darkest hour.
PRAYER: Lord, thank You for demonstrating forgiveness, compassion, and redemption on the cross. May Your example inspire me to live with forgiveness, faith and hope in our darkest hour! Amen.
