THE THIEF ON THE CROSS

“How does the thief on the cross fit into your theology???

No baptism, no communion, no confirmation, no speaking in tongues, no mission trips, no volunteering, and no clothes, much less, church clothes, he was just naked!

He couldn’t even bend his knees to pray.

He didn’t say the sinner's prayer and among other things, he was a thief! Jesus didn’t take away his pain, heal his body, or smite the scoffers.

Yet, it was a thief who went into paradise with Jesus, simply by believing! He had nothing more to offer other than his belief that Jesus was who he said he was.

He was no brilliant theologians, had no ego left or arrogance.

There was no shiny lights, skinny jeans or crafty words.

No haze machine, donuts or coffee at the beginning of the event.

He was just a naked sinner dying on a cross, unable to even to put his hands together in pray.

Yet, in his torment and pain, the thief said to Jesus,

"......Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom." And Jesus responded, ".....Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise." (Luke 23:42-43)

And the scriptures further say, "For God so loved the world he gave his only begotten son so that whosoever believed in him would not perish but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)

I have known these things for years but as I read these scriptures today I was reminded of the simplicity, wonder, hope and the eternal love found in 'The Word of God', The Holy Bible, as we hang on our cross today in eternal hope of Paradise!

Thank you Jesus, my Lord and my God!

Anonymous