March 16, 2015 (Monday)
There were three crosses on Golgotha’s hill on the day that Jesus died for us. Jesus was crucified on the central cross. On each side a criminal was also crucified on his own cross. One was unrepentant to the end, crying out to Jesus, “Save yourself and us if you really are the Son of God!” The other was sorry for his sins, responding to his companion in death, “Do you not fear God? You and I are justly suffering for our crimes, but this man has done nothing wrong!” Fixing his gaze on Jesus, he pleaded, “Lord, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus replied, “Today you will be with me in Paradise” (Luke 23:32-43).
The Cross of Redemption
The death-burial-resurrection of Christ is the central event of human history. On the day of His crucifixion, as “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world,” Jesus took your sins and mine upon Himself. “He was made sin for us that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Corinthians 5:21), and if you accept Him as your Savior, you are “justified by faith” (Romans 5:1).
The Cross of Rejection
The thief who defiantly demanded that Jesus use His supernatural power to save Himself and those crucified with Him died a lost man. He rejected his last and only hope. He rejected Jesus. Millions have followed his lead and have said, “No,” to Jesus and His offer of eternal life. The gift of God is turned down by many who have left this world forever without God.
The Cross of Reception
The thief who humbly asked Jesus to remember him in His kingdom died a saved man. In a split second, he was changed as was his eternal destiny. If He had lived, his life would have given evidence of a new heart. Jesus made the difference. As the song declares, “All is changed when Jesus comes to stay.” You can receive Jesus into your heart today and be saved.