HE ISN’T THE ONLY ONE REQUIRED TO SACRIFICE
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If pictures say a thousand words than this picture speaks for itself. Initially when it was posted several thoughts came to mind but I wanted to mediate and ponder on what I would like to share first.
Now I will respond by mentioning that three people were crucified that day but only two sacrificed something (Jesus and one thief). The other thief sacrificed nothing. I have to ask, how could a person be so prideful until death? This is truly bothering me. He had no hope in life and I make that implication based on his “trade”. The hope he could have received, he rejected? If there was a remote possibility to have better, have more, which is the objective of a thief, why not try Jesus?
Until you post, I have to dialogue with myself and brainstorm. Was his heart hardened by God? Did he harden his own heart? Was confession at this point useless to him, of no avail? Did he equate his life’s worth to the possibility of salvation worthless and this was his own condemnation? Was he there to tempt Jesus 1. prove Jesus’ power universally? 2. prove Jesus’ identity? 3. prove Jesus was a forgiving God? 4. question his judicial authority (being a just God)?
On the other hand, the other thief had characteristics that are needed in the body of Christ. He recognized his sin (Luke 23:39-43)and it was unbecoming. He also recognized the sin of someone else, not to scrutinize but for repentance of both their wrong doings. This thief humbled himself in Jesus’ presence and with that spirit came remorse. He experienced justification, sanctification, and glorification in the same day.
With that said, “He isn’t the only one required to sacrifice.”
Christ sacrificed leaving glory, separating from his glorified body, taking on sin which he did not know, dying, ascending and resurrecting. The thief sacrificed his pride, sinful will, himself, to be with Christ in paradise.
What are we willing to sacrifice to be with Christ? Before you answer, think, what are you willing to sacrifice to be with Christ that has the evasive power to appear like it’s killing you?
In other words, what is your cross and is it too much to sacrifice for salvation?