Let's get abstract & obscure up in this place! Today's share is about the thief on the cross. The only things that we know about him are:

Some say that this is, in many ways, the most touching stories in the Bible - And some would say that this was a "hail mary" play done by a criminal. A dying thief accepts Jesus as Lord and is assured by Jesus of a place in paradise.

I remember I used to be one of those who thought that this guy was facing death anyway, so his attempt in asking for forgiveness was a bit insincere. I have grown in knowing that Jesus knows (and not just "reads") our heart. I'm sure that Jesus could catch a con or call a bluff and be right 100% of the time. So, I have to believe that Jesus saw the sincerity in the criminals heart.

Let's also remember that there were two criminals that were crucified next to Jesus, and both began mocking & blaspheming Him. But there was something in one of the criminal's heart that moved him to respond to God's Spirit, and repent for his sins. While everyone motivated the other to ridicule our Lord, when even the disciples began to abandon Jesus, this criminal responded in faith. He was forgiven for his sins, which included blasphemy against Jesus.

I love learning about different people in the Bible because I walk away, knowing that I am more like these people than I care to imagine. I've made comparisons to an faithfully tottering nation, Israel, a prostitute, and many many more. And just the thief, we are all sinners in need of a Savior. And no matter the number of sins, no matter how minor or extreme we think our sins are, it's never too late to repent & accept salvation. I mean, this guy came in under the wire!!! We need to remember that, as long as someone still has a mind and the will to choose God, we can never stop preaching God's Word, showing them love & forgiveness, especially when we are under pain & humiliation.