Jesus is and will always be the focal point of Calvary. He was crucified on the center cross between two thieves for a reason. The two thieves crucified on either side of Jesus teach some profound lessons.
Two Ways to Die
I have witnessed many times the attitude of people when they were dying. I had the privilege of being a chaplain for our local hospice for many years. It was my responsibility to visit with people during the dying process who had no church affiliation. I have also been with many church members during the dying process. There is a noticeable difference between the two, especially when it comes to the assurance of living eternally with Christ as opposed to dying in doubt.
This is illustrated by the attitudes of the two men crucified beside Jesus. Both men could have had the assurance of eternal life with Christ. One chose to disbelieve and mock Christ. He went to a Christless eternity. The other chose to believe in Christ and experience the grace of God. He was promised eternal life from the lips of Jesus. Everyone today is given the same choice. You can choose to believe in Christ, obey the gospel, and receive the promise of eternal life; or you can choose to disbelieve in Christ, not obey the gospel, and not have the promise of eternal life.
Nothing to Fear
What is your greatest fear in life? If you took a survey, what do you think would be the number one fear among people? It is my experience in ministry that more people have a fear of dying than anything else. Not wanting to die and having a fear of dying are two different things. I want to live, but I am not afraid to die. The thief on the cross who was promised eternal life teaches us that we should have no fear of dying. The apostle Paul put it well in Philippians 1:21-23 when he said that he had two desires: one was to live here, and the other was to die and be with Christ, which is far better. |L
Danny Dodds is the senior minister at South Side Church of Christ in Washington Court House, Ohio. Danny and his wife Delite have two daughters and five grandchildren.
