A Divine "U Turn"

Several men were hung on crosses on the same day that Jesus was crucified.  All had been found guilty of crimes they'd committed.  One hanging next to Jesus was a thief...another was a murderer.  One of them confronted Jesus and said, "You, who are going to destroy the temple and rebuild it in 3 days, save yourself, and come down from the cross!"  [Matthew 27:44/Mark 15;29-30]  Jesus didn't answer him, but spoke these words to His Father instead:  "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they are doing." 

Those words must have penetrated the heart of the thief, for he responded by saying, "Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom!"  In other words, he made a "U-turn"....(he turned and gave his heart to Jesus).  He'd been walking on the wrong side of the road all his life--heading in the wrong direction.  He'd been standing in the dark, but now he moved into The Light!

This thief demonstrated "The Way" for all of us to follow.  He became the 1st to be carried out of darkness (by Jesus) into the marvelous light of heaven.  Love lifted him up out of the pit and carried him to the pinnacle!