One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!” But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:39-43.)
I can think of no greater
demonstration of undeserved grace than what was shown to the thief on the cross.
Arms stretched wide, held in place by nails, unable to give anything…anything
at all. No future past a few hours to promise penance, compensation, or devoted
allegiance. No legacy to leave or testimony to share with others of a broken
man restored. Only a man honest with his sin, acknowledging his complete culpability,
and his utter impotence to help himself. He looks to the MESSIAH, the Christ
and says, “Remember me….”
Jesus,
I am here
nailed to a cross of my own failures...
no one to share the blame with...
unable to help myself....
Remember me....
Wonderful, marvelous GRACE!
