Paradise or Poverty

“The ransom of a man's life are his riches… when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life… Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth reproof shall be honored” (Proverbs 13:8,12,18).  “And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on Him, saying, If thou be Christ, save Thyself and us.  But the other answering rebuked him… And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when Thou comest into Thy kingdom.  And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with Me in paradise” (Luke 23:39-43).  “To him… will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God” (Revelation 2:7).

It is the ransom of our life

That rescues us from loss.

Our Savior fought our mortal strife

To save us by His cross.

It’s paradise or poverty:

The choice is ours to make.

It’s not a time to wait and see:

There’s just too much at stake!

The malefactors on each side

Of where our Lord was slain

Could both have cursed until they died,

Refusing endless gain.

But one elected to be wise

And turn to Christ to pray

Who promised him in paradise

He’d be with Him that day.

And thus it is today as well:

Our ransom is secured

By trusting Christ who saves from hell

By all that He endured.

How great indeed are these extremes:

The paradise of God

Or poverty where none redeems   

From wrath’s eternal rod!

O Lord, we thank You for the choice

To change our destiny,

As did that thief who shall rejoice

For all eternity!