I read the news today, oh boy, about a lucky man who got his Sportster back. Actually last week, as a man who had his 1972 Sportster stolen in the mid-seventies recently had it recovered. In a good news/bad news story, it had been auctioned off, and when the winning bidder came to claim it, discovered that it had been impounded as stolen. And since it had changed hands many times in the past 35 years, the only crime that seems to be committed here is against the man who won the bid. The old owner had been compensated by insurance 35 years ago, and gone onto other rides, and the guy who sold it didn't know of its dubious history. Only in today's environment could the police solve a crime and end up with additional victims. And a bike with too many owners, but no one with possession. Try that one on Hollywood? Meanwhile, the bike sits-evidence in a crime, without suspects. And you ask, what's the matter with this picture?
Commandment seven of the Ten Commandments tells us thou shalt not steal. And having been the victim of having two cars stolen and my house broken into, I can tell you that it is not always the things taken that are the most disturbing, but having been violated, and losing a trust in a security system, your fellow man, and the ones hired to protect. Insurance always more than covered us for the missing items, but for awhile the things that go bump in the night bother you. And even though you learn to trust again, you never fully regain what has been taken from you.
Now 2000 years in the Roman Empire they took stealing more seriously. Many times you would pay for it with your life-so when lusting for that item you may wonder if it is worth dying for. And the ultimate capital punishment was crucifixion, so cruel and nasty that it would be enough of a deterrent. But one particular Friday, three men were hung on crosses on a hill called Calvary, or Golgotha-place of the skull. Two men were convicted thieves, the man in the middle innocent of any crimes as charged. And in only a few verses we learn about these three men. First the thieves. Both did not deny their guilt. Both recognized their sin, but only one cried out to the only one who could save him. That third man being Jesus Christ-who by dying on the cross would save His people from their sin. For by the little faith the one thief had, he asked for forgiveness, and was told that he would see God tonight in paradise. And by receiving Jesus, was not saved from his earthly death sentence, but his eternal one in hell.
But little is ever said about the third thief on the cross-the man in the middle. It is always said, and scripturally so, that He was innocent of any crimes. The false charges that took Him to the cross, and the violent death He died are very often told, particularly around Easter time. But their is another story, not often told. When the Jewish leaders tried bringing false testimony against Him, they blew it. Even appealing to Pilate since the Jews had no power over life and death among criminals, they had to make up false claims-when the truth was right in front them, and Jesus even admitted to His guilt.
You see place between the two thieves on the crosses, the third one, in the middle, was the greatest thief of all time. And admittedly so, and still continues in His criminal activities today. You see Jesus promised to take away your sin, to take your burdens and pain. And has taken more sin and unhappiness than could be documented, and still continues in that today. He even admitted it to the Jews and anyone within hearing of His voice. And those who spend time with Him find that He will also steal your heart. More than millions, on a crime spree that has lasted for over 2000 years. Two convincing pieces of evidence, that any Christian can attest to. And be a witness of. You see that third thief, came to take away your sin, and as a final act showed in front of the guards and other witnesses that He was guilty. And that same evidence still continues today. And the witnesses of Him taking their sin, and stealing their hearts still testify about what He has done, and is doing.
Are you witness to the crime I speak of? Have you let Jesus take your sin and save you? As you get to know Him has He stolen your heart? For in His being a thief of hearts, He was unique in that He didn't leave your vessel empty. But filled it with something that was missing-His spirit. Love and forgiveness, the two things missing but promised by God that every man desires, only found in Jesus. You see it takes a thief. And you can live today because of what He did, and does. You see He took my pain, my sorrow, my sin, and my strife-and replaced it with His love and forgiveness. Guilty-so would be found not guilty. And unlike the story of Robin Hood who stole from the rich and gave to the poor, He takes from the poor and makes them rich!
Today I stand before you as a witness of a crime that happened 2000 years ago, and in my life 35 years ago. I was robbed! Of my sin and unhappiness! Jesus Christ stole my heart! Jesus Christ-guilty as not charged! And in His last dying moments, stayed true to His heart-still desiring to steal yours!
Jesus Christ who proved crime pays-by stealing your heart and taking away your sin. The evidence is there. Let Him prove it to you today.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com