In some ways the art of communication is being attacked by the Blackberry's and Blueberry's of this world. Young people are developing a whole new way of writing by striving to shorten everything. For example: "JD called 2 ask me 4 a ride" instead of "John Doe called to ask me for a ride." (I admit my use of Raspberry shorthand is very limited). These communications must be very short and to the point - one could say "shallow." The English language is a beautiful language for expression in prose and poetic verse. It is not easy to express one's thought to another person in a deep and meaningful way at the best of times, and in short abbreviated bursts of words it is well nigh impossible. To communicate is to find a way to give a correct understanding of our thoughts, emotions, feelings or ideas to another person. Not only do we have to learn to produce and convey the message clearly, we also need to be aware of the ability (or lack thereof) of the listener to comprehend what we are communicating.
James 1:26 informs us that anyone who thinks he is religious but does not bridle his tongue - is fooling himself. Putting a control and bridle on the tongue is not very easy to do. It requires self-confidence, wisdom, understanding and self control, to mention just a few attributes. In many conversations I have had, people are often just waiting for you to take a breath - and then they leap into the conversation with their experiences, ideas or thoughts. All too often you realize that they are not really listening to your words. James also tells us it is great to be eager to listen but slow to comment or talk (James 1:19). James understood the value of putting the brain in gear before we step on the gas-pedal of the tongue.
Nevertheless, talking is fun and something we can do by the hour with the right kind of people and situation. A timid person might be left out or run over by the more boisterous and there are always a few who have much more to say than others. Their experiences were more exciting, more daring, more successful or more disastrous than anyone else's - and it is amazing how the story grows with the telling. We humans are the most interesting and marvelous part of God's great creation. There must be times where our heavenly Father just shakes His head in dismay at our conduct. Yet, God too loves to be surrounded by those with whom He can communicate. His throne in heaven is surrounded by a variety of angels who talk and converse with God.
One of the most meaningful and interesting conversations I know of took place among three men who were in the same predicament. They were all in great pain, waiting to die, agonizing almost every moment and still talking. Now to be sure the conversation would be short and punctuated with moans and groans. The conversation I am referring to is the one that happened between Jesus and the two criminals at the crucifixion. It is hard for our minds to grasp or understand the situation. All three had been nailed to their crosses at about nine o'clock in the morning and time was passing slowly and agonizingly. Still, they were contemplating their imminent and immediate fate - death. Only a small portion of this three-way conversation is recorded for us, but the situation is remarkable enough that it has been recorded forever in the pages of Scripture.
There is no doubt that those responsible for crucifying Jesus Christ were a little worried. They had heard of His strange powers and signs and wonders He had done. After all, Lazarus had died and been resurrected only days before and many were present to witness that miracle. Jesus was famous throughout Judea. People from all over the area were looking for Him. Matthew, Mark and Luke all record people at the cross jeering at Jesus and ridiculing Him. They were shouting: "If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself!" (Luke 23:38). The criminals on either side of Jesus were eyewitnesses to every detail of what was going on and heard every word Jesus spoke as well as the crowd. Few words are recorded, but it is certain that more was said throughout the day.
At about noon, when the agony and pain were unbearable and yet there would be no relief, a conversation was recorded. It is possible neither man knew Jesus at all, but the words of the crowd and the demeanor of Jesus Himself triggered some thoughts. It seems a most unusual place for a three-way conversation, but people do talk in strange situations. Luke records this conversation (Luke 23:39-43). One thief joined in the ridicule heaped on Jesus and said: "If you are the Christ save yourself, and us." That seems a pretty normal request under the circumstances - anything to get a reprieve. The other thief who was also thinking and listening rebuked him and said: "Don't you even fear God, seeing that you are suffering the same condemnation?" He then went on to acknowledge that he deserved the sentence he received and that Jesus was innocent. He said: "Remember me, Lord, when you are coming into your kingdom." Jesus said to him: "Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise." No doubt the words came out with great difficulty, amid the attempt to gasp for air and yet not suffer any more pain from the tearing nail holes in their flesh. It is a remarkable conversation, taking place under circumstances that we cannot imagine. There is an error in the placing of the comma that we must note. It is quite different to say: "Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise." and "Assuredly, I say to you today, you will be with Me in Paradise. Jesus knew He would be dead for three days and three nights. There were no commas in the Greek - they were added in the English and they do give the wrong meaning as they are placed in the NKJV of the Bible - no Paradise on that day.
When we pause for a moment and wonder why this conversation was recorded, it ought to become evident that the one thief knew he was a sinner and the penalty of sin was death. He was guilty and recognized his only hope would be through Jesus Christ. He was struck by the same awe that others came to feel as the moment of Jesus' death neared (Matt. 23:47,48). He reflected the attitude of humans who are truly seeking reconciliation with God for their guilt and sins.
Jesus came to carry the penalty for the sins of the world on His shoulders. His blood washes us clean from sin. That precious blood, though, is only given when the attitude of humility and deep repentance is evident. This thief reflected the attitude God is looking for as John recorded in John 3:16,17. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved." His attitude was admission of sin, humility, repentance and seeking the mercy of God. Jesus was quick to respond.
The second criminal was accusative, not fearful of God and unrepentant. That is the attitude of those who will have to wait until they come to the right frame of mind - if ever. There was no humble seeking for forgiveness and mercy - only an accusative - "if you can get us out of here - why don't you!" We find a similar attitude in Rev. 16:9 "And men were scorched with great heat, and they blasphemed the name of God who has power over these plagues; and they did not repent and give him glory."
There is a great lesson in this three-way conversation. We too were sentenced to death - and need Christ. We too know what we are and that our hope is in Him.