"Three"

Three hung there, their pain to bear,

On old Golgotha’s hill,

One of three, no crime you see,

His righteous blood to spill.

One cursing blame, called Jesus’ name,

Said save yourself and us,

You know you can, so do it, man,

Though he was treasonous.

The second thief needed relief,

But a simple, “Remember me,”

Jesus heard and with one word,

Promised life eternally.

Today, my friend, life without end,

We’ll meet in Paradise,

Good-bye to pain, in God’s domain,

Forgiveness for all vice.

And for us all, the healing call,

Is there for every man,

The sinners fierce, His love will pierce,

Their hearts, no doubt He can.

Remember me, is all you see,

The Good Lord needs to hear,

The sinner’s prayer, the Savior’s care,

Brings salvation near.

“The he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into Your Kingdom. Jesus answered him, ‘I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.’” (Luke 23:42-43, NIV)

We know nothing about his history, only that he was being crucified as a thief and criminal. But somehow he recognized that Jesus was his hope. An eight word prayer isn’t much when compared to a life of crime, but it was enough. He called on Jesus for mercy, and mercy was exactly what he got. Can you imagine the moment of joy when he opened his eyes on the other side, and looked into the smiling face of the Savior? Do you think they might have embraced and laughed together? You see what we don’t always realize is that all salvation is about grace and is completely unearned. If it was a gift for the thief, it is a gift for everyone. Praise the Lord!

Lord, help us celebrate the gift of grace, in Jesus’ name.

Art by Don Weller, used by permission. Thanks, Don, and God bless you.