They say your whole life flashes before your eyes in the final moments of time on this earth, but as I looked at the cross at the front of the church on Good Friday of 2007 it was not my life that flashed before my eyes. Nor was I considering the life of my Saviour, though the church presentation of the Easter story leading up to the crucifixion was dramatic.
The sinner who hung on that cross in my mind’s eye was my own father, and the flashing pictures of his life were stark with painful truth.
Affected by generational sin, instinctively claiming shame. Struggles, temptations, failures. Choices and consequences.
That Easter, I had just learned he was dying and was trying to decide if I would travel across the provinces to see him. The decision was made for me, as he died the next morning.
My father had hurt me. Deeply. Into my soul. In ways no little girl should ever be hurt. It had taken years, but I came to terms with that pain and began moving beyond the shame. I had forgiven my Dad, perhaps more for me than for him.
My father had stolen from me and like the thief on the cross, he deserved to die for his choices. Didn’t he?
Yet Jesus offered him eternal life in glory.
Like the thief, undeserving;
like the thief, repentant yet to outward eyes unchanged;
like the thief, still suffering the consequences of his choices;
like the thief, forgiven and in God’s presence today.
And that is as it should be because I am also represented by one of the thieves who died with Jesus. I too have the choice to reject and mock the power of Jesus or to ask for life.
I too am affected by generational sin, instinctively claiming shame. I struggle, face temptation, and fail. I too make choices and live with the consequences.
God provides forgiveness and life through the Christ we remember at Easter. Immanuel, who provided the way. He defeated death. He lives. He offers each of us life with God.
Like the thief, I am undeserving.
Like the thief, I am repentant.
Like the thief, I still suffer the consequences of my choices.
Like the thief, I am forgiven and walking with God today.
I am living this day of eternity. I am living with and for Christ. I have made my choice.
What will you choose?