(Joni sings:)
When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.
You know, when we survey the cross of Christ, sometimes it helps to remember those other two crosses on either side. I’m thinking of the thief who was crucified next to Jesus, the one who said, “Lord, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
To me, that thief displayed incredible faith. It was amazing that he put his trust in Jesus at that point. Think of it. Unlike the disciples, that thief never had the benefit of seeing all the mighty miracles. He never had the benefit of sitting long hours under the instruction and teaching of Jesus. He never shared in those quiet talks around the evening campfires. He never had the fellowship of setting sail in an open boat with the Master.
Unlike the disciples who had been eyewitnesses to the Lord's greatest miracles, the thief only saw Jesus in agony and in weakness. The thief only saw Christ deserted and mocked and naked and despised. From all appearances, there was no grandiose display of power there that day on the hill of Golgotha – and yet that thief nevertheless placed his trust, his eternal destiny into the crucified hands of Christ. Amazing.
But whatever this story says about the faith of a penitent thief, it says more about Jesus. It was Bishop Ryle who said, “The Lord Jesus never gave so complete a proof of his power and will to save as he did upon that occasion. For in the day when he seemed most weak, he showed that he was a strong deliverer. In the hour when the Lord's body was wracked with pain, he showed that he could feel tenderly for others. At the time when he himself was dying, he conferred on a wicked criminal eternal life.” That encounter between Jesus and the penitent thief is a story of wonder. And I tell you what – that the same Savior would reach down through the centuries to save you and me is more wonderful still.
Used by permission of
JONI AND FRIENDS
P.O. Box 3333
Agoura Hills, CA 93176
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