Lent

I was engrossed in a meditative book entitled, “Stumbling toward Eternity” by Josh White. He was discussing the verbal exchange between Jesus and the men on the other two crosses. These criminals perhaps were insurrectionists. We know that one man’s “patriot” is another man’s “terrorist”. But presumably they had each resorted to acts of violence. Now they were dying alongside this notorious Jesus of Nazareth (Luke 23).

Of course, most of us are going to identify with the penitent one who cried out to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”

Yes, that’s me, alright. I know, all too well, that I have messed up. I am all too aware of my sins of omission and commission. I realize I can be saved only by the grace of God. I can hear myself saying, “Lord, remember me — with forgiveness and compassion.”

Yet, upon further reflection, I am more like that nasty, unrepentant man on the other cross. He was plainly angry with God. He demanded to be rescued from his situation. I am more like him. When tragedy strikes — like the death of a loved one — I too am apt to be angry with the Lord. I realize that, whereas He did not cause her death, He also did nothing to prevent it.

So, along with that other man, I shout, “What’s wrong with you, Lord?

She was so young, with so much life still to be lived. Why did you allow this?” Here’s my own demand for God to be the Great Cosmic Fixer. I accuse Him in my heart; I presume to judge Him. “If thou be the Christ, save thyself — and us.”

The second man on the cross doesn’t deign to question or challenge the circumstances that brought him to this woeful end. What’s done is done. He humbly casts himself upon the mercy of this Jesus who somehow embodies God. This second man makes no attempt to justify himself, engages in no effort to bargain. He simply submits himself to Him and hears Him reply, “Today thou shalt be with me in Paradise.”

As has often been observed, Jesus stayed on the cross, not because He wasn’t the Savior, but because He was. In every circumstance of our life we place ourselves into His loving care, trusting that He is on both sides of death and that we shall be safe in His hands.

Could my tears forever flow,
Could my zeal no languor know,
These for sin could not atone;
Thou must save and Thou alone.
In my hand no price I bring;
Simply to Thy cross I cling.

Augustus Toplady; Hymn "Rock of Ages"