The Thief Views the Cross 2

Luke 23:39-45

Reverend Dermot Thornberry, a big influence on the beginning of my ministry, shared his story of accepting Christ. He was living a very worldly life, a life without God, focusing on his human needs and desires, but also realizing that his life was empty and unfulfilling. Then someone told him to accept Jesus as his Savior, to simply say the words. He did, and then he wondered if it truly was that easy.
But his wife pointed out that from the moment he confessed Christ as Savior his fears and stresses were gone. He was a new man.

Over the years believers have heaped layers of ritual and pomp onto the practice of believing in Jesus Christ. For a recent class I had to read a book about the history of Baptism and was amazed at all the ritual and preparation – sometimes 2 years! – for a person to be baptized into the faith.

Some modern churches require months of classes and study to join the church. Others require close examination of personality and behavior before a person is deemed as worthy to join.

But in Luke’s crucifixion story we have the hope that is offered through one of the criminals (thieves) crucified with Jesus. How did the two criminals act differently toward Jesus? What realization does the second criminal have? What does he ask? How does Jesus respond?

In the two thieves, or “criminals,” we have two possible reactions of people to Jesus. There are those who are bitter and angry and wonder where God is in all the turmoil. Yet they do nothing to be part of God’s kingdom. Instead they muddle along in the torment of their empty lives. They may actively reject God.

Then there are those who realize that they are in a difficult spot and they are themselves to blame. But they turn to God for help and hope.

What is the result? Those who turn to God are saved. And they don’t need to go to classes or be baptized or give money to be saved. The thief was unable to do anything but confess Christ as Savior and that was enough for him to be welcomed into paradise. I believe the same is true for us. Nothing is required of any of us but to confess our need for Jesus.

DAILY CHALLENGE: Have you turned to Jesus for salvation?