I understand, and I agree.
What I wish to highlight is this. Sometimes titles in our Bibles can be misleading. Nowhere in scripture itself is this man labeled a thief other than what has been added as a title which has been preached from the pulpit.
I know you’ve done some research on crucifixion, so I will assume your aware that it was used primarily for slaves and Enemies of the State. Many Jewish zealots were crucified and these crucifixions increased to 70 ad. Don’t forget that Jesus picked a zealot among his 12.
So this idea that the criminal was a thief who makes a living out of stealing comes from a larger distorted theological view which derives more from the shallow doctrines of men than it does historical evidence. These shallow doctrines want us to believe the man on the cross was a vile thief of the most wretched type who suddenly sees the light and has some sort of death bed confession. Balderdash I say. Balderdash.
Zealots knew the penalty for their destructive actions against Rome. They knew they “deserved” their punishment.
Quick question for you Dorthy. Are YOU willing to pick up your cross and follow Jesus? Or is that hyperbole?
Bottom line, I do not believe the criminal made a living stealing for a living. These types of criminals were punished in other ways such as flogging or jail time. Again, crucifixion was primarily used on slaves and enemies of the state, not a common thief.
Dear Stove,
Thank you for your kind words and gentle response. I will let the matter of the thief go for now and address the personal question, which I’m glad to answer. Since it’s personal I will have to give personal details. Pardon me if it seems I am boasting. I do not see how I can be honest and do anything else.
I have personally sacrificed much in pursuit of following Him and knowing Him. So when I write of confidence of the truth of Jesus’ teaching, I speak from the position of believing so strong, I have sacrificed much but my physical life although my health I laid down when I went overseas and carry in my body the price of that choice. I count it all as less than what I have gained but that doesn’t mean it was nothing.
I left my language, my culture, my family, my friends, my community, my financial freedom and have known such loneliness it’s beyond words. But I KNOW what I believe on some matters is truth.
I don’t have all truth or exhaustive truth. That is the fruit of many lives. But the bits of what I do know is rock solid true. And I know the difference.
When doubts come of a certain kind, they are from the enemy and I rebuke them. They are not my thoughts. That accuser of the family of God is not silent. I’ll give an example.
One time, as a result of difficult obedience, I was given a gift of faith for a difficult challenge we faced. It was a specific promise. Then, during a service, doubts began to creep in. Jesus spoke to me said, “don’t let the Enemy steal what I’ve given you.” I rebuked the Enemy and the doubts fled. If a believe cannot recognize the Enemy’s lies, he will be tossed about. The promise He gave was fulfilled as promised and it was remarkable.
So yes, when He’s asked, I’ve laid down my life and embraced what I must endure. The result has been
knowing Him and the fellowship of his sufferings. The power of His resurrection is still before me.
In as much gentleness as I can muster
D
your out in left field
