Apples of Gold

Many children long for the day that they will step into adulthood with all the freedom and independence. Meanwhile many of us, who have a few decades on them, are looking back from the other side reminiscing of a time that our biggest decision was rather we wanted vanilla or chocolate! 

As we mature, we recognize the consequences of our choices are often far-reaching and unalterable. When we stand at a fork in the road many of us go into panic mode, uncertain of which way we should turn. Unwilling to let go of the possibilities that each path contains, we hesitate to move forward, not wanting to miss out on anything. 

There are also times that we know what our conclusion must be, but the cost is great, and obedience is arduous. Our pride, stubbornness, selfishness, laziness or some other less than desirable characteristic holds us captive as our flesh and spirit clash in a high stakes internal mixed-martial arts duel. 

As we reflect on the celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus, I can’t help but consider the two men that were crucified with him. They were face to face with the most important decision of their entire lives. 

We are told very little about them. We know they were insurrectionists, and likely violent men, about to suffer and die for their crimes against Rome. Although we don’t know how far apart the crosses were hung, we know that Jesus was in the middle. We also know that they were all close enough to hold a conversation with each other, even while they were in great anguish. We know that despite being in the same circumstances, and having the same proximity to Jesus they each made drastically different decisions.

Two others, both criminals, were led out to be executed with him. When they came to a place called The Skull, they nailed him to the cross. And the criminals were also crucified-one on his right and one on his left. Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” And the soldiers gambled for his clothes by throwing dice. The crowd watched and the leaders scoffed. “He saved others,” they said, “let him save himself if he is really God’s Messiah, the chosen One.” The soldiers mocked him, too by offering him a drink of sour wine. They called out to him, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” A sign was fastened above him with these words: “This is the King of the Jews.” One of the criminals hanging beside him scoffed, “So you’re the Messiah, are. You? Prove it by saving yourself, and us, too, while you’re at it!” But the other criminal protested, “Don’t you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die? We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn’t done anything wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.” And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:32-43

Tradition assigns the name Dismas to the penitent thief, and also places him on the right hand of Jesus. Interestingly enough, Jesus dismisses the charges against Dismas, assuring him of a redemption that he cannot possibly do anything to earn or deserve. What a pure picture of the grace of God offered to each of us! 

But what about the other guy? As he stood on the precipice of eternity, something held him back from embracing the rescue that enveloped Dismas. 

While the possibilities we encounter on our journey often carry far less dramatic outcomes, we often find ourselves determining whether we will be like Dismas, or the other guy. 

And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice-the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.Romans 12:1

My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God. Galatians 2:20

While we wait for clear direction, or slowly nudge ourselves closer to obedience, scripture is clear.

If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. Matthew 16:25