He was just a common thief <br />And now he must pay. <br />His wicked deeds found him, <br />Condemned to die today. <br /> <br />He had cheated and looted, <br />Wronged many men. <br />His life of crime is over, <br />A cross would be his end. <br /> <br />Guilty of his transgression <br />Yes, deserving of death, <br />He feared not the dying now, <br />But of judgment ahead. <br /> <br />Hell would surely be his abode <br />Ages without end! <br />Punished for his wickedness <br />And a life of sin! <br /> <br />But this ONE dying near him, <br />Was different than he, <br />His eyes revealed compassion, <br />He spoke mercifully. <br /> <br />The thief asked this man; <br />“What on earth did you do? ” <br />Jesus whispered weakly; <br />“Today I die for you! ” <br /> <br />“Dying for me? ” he asked, <br />“Who are you anyway? ” <br />“I AM the Lamb of God, <br />Today sin’s debt I pay.” <br /> <br />“How may I receive pardon? ” <br />Begged the repentant thief. <br />“Forgiveness is truly yours” <br />Jesus said; “only believe.” <br /> <br />“It’s true, you are the ONE <br />Sent to die for me! ” <br />“LORD, I need your mercy! ” <br />“Please… REMEMBER ME! ” <br /> <br /> Jesus turned to the thief <br />In mercy he cried; <br />“Today shalt thou be <br />With me in PARADISE! ”<br /><br />Loyd C. Taylor<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-thief-and-the-cross/
