"Man on the Middle Cross"

In pain he hung there suffering,

A criminal, no doubt,

Knew there was no buffering,

What his judgment was about.

He could see the man beside him,

Knew his innocence, guilt-free,

But wondered as the day grew dim,

How such a death could be.

The other thief reviled and cursed,

In agony and hate,

Screaming all his heart rehearsed,

These words that sealed his fate.

But the other thief said you are wrong,

This one should not be here,

He’s been righteous all along,

And don’t you find it queer,

This darkening of sun and sky,

This passion undeserved,

Choosing on this day to die,

Though His Father faultless served.

And then he said those words so few,

And thought they came so late,

Remember me, O Lord, won’t you,

When you open heaven’s gate.

Today, indeed, you’ll be with Me,

Where there is no more grief,

It’s Paradise that you will see,

And God’s own great relief.

He stood outside the glowing gate,

The angel asked his name,

He said what no one could negate,

Eternally the same.

Why should we let you in they asked,

He had but one reply,

Now that all his life was passed,

He spoke the truth, no lie.

The man on the middle cross told me,

That I could meet Him here,

That He forgave what used to be,

He made it very clear.

It’s not performance, don’t you see,

That grants admission here,

But trusting in a gift that’s free,

So precious and so dear.

And that is why when someone doubts,

How they will end this race,

In spite of all their ins and outs,

It’s that we’re saved by grace.

“For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 10:13, NLT)

Salvation is a mysterious miracle that happens because God does the saving. But our response to Him matters, and as the thief on the cross illustrates, a simple “Remember me” was enough. What is the correct way to ask for salvation? Are some words better than others? There is no “sinner’s prayer” in the Bible. Perhaps calling on the name of the Lord is unique to every person. Some may have great emotion while others not so much. But if the call is sincere, the answer is certain. The greatest gift of all is offered and those who call, receive it.

Lord, help us to receive all that You died to give us, in Jesus’ name.

Art by Tim Cox, used by permission. Thanks, Tim, and God bless you.