I Am a Thief

It's Good Friday, the day when we remember the crucifixion and death of Jesus of Nazareth. One of the really fascinating moments of Holy Week occurs when Jesus shares a conversation with the thieves being crucified next to Him.  Check out these words from Luke 23:39-43:  One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Are not you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!”  But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence?  We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom. Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” Very few places do we get such a deep look into grace in its purest form. We are all the thief, and we are all forgiven. Such is the power of the cross.

Third Day recorded the song Thief on their debut album, and it has long been a favorite of mine. Written from the point of view of the forgiven thief, it is powerful and moving.  As you watch, listen and read I hope you will feel a new understanding of God's love and mercy. I hope you will feel drawn into the sanctuary of God's grace, and that you will remember that Friday had to happen. Friday was part of the plan. Friday was in the grand design right from the beginning. But so was Sunday. And Sunday's coming...

Because of Jesus,