Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, "If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us." But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, "Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong." Then he said to Jesus, "Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom." (Luke 23:29)

Save us. Deliver us. Rescue us. These words are used over and over from the mouths of the characters of God's Word. Mankind has known, and always will know the truth about its bondage to this world. Each has been a slave to this world, piecing together straw and mortar of his/her life just as the children of Israel did in Egypt. Yet, despite the world's efforts to douse the flame of hope, that phrase creeps into our thoughts from a heart that inherently knows where hope rests.

Here at the crucifixion of Jesus, two cry out to the Lamb of Glory for saving. Notice first of all that there are two separate hearts crying out to Jesus. One comes from the heart of the first thief. His is a spirit of blasphemy as he addresses Christ with his request. It is a heart that is embittered and hopeless, yet it is a heart that deep down detests all the sin he has committed in his life. He mocks the salvation that Christ could offer; he hates it with every fiber of his being. But he desires it too. A fine line truly does exist between love and hate. Despite his mockery, the thief deep down really hopes that somehow he might be saved. He just doesn't believe that it is true. How do I know? Because I know what my life used to be.

Before Christ entered into my life, I desired to be rescued by God, but I despised the salvation afforded me. I both hated it and desired it above all else. It is a strange dichotomy that exists in the hearts of the lost. But never assume for a second that each doesn't inwardly desire the salvation of God. Perhaps it is stubbornness or pride or maybe even secret hurts that keep them from crying "save me" in faith. Some like the Apostle Thomas struggle with hurts and disappointments. It is so difficult to believe, but the desire is there. The flame of hope is not so easily snuffed out - even for the hardest of hearts.

And then we have the cry of the second thief. In humility and brokenness, he addresses Christ in faith, believing beyond belief in who Jesus truly was. He saw Christ's innocence in contrast to His own guilt. He saw Christ's purity up against His own defilement. This thief knew that he deserved his punishment, but not Jesus. And the flame of hope began to swell in his breast into a raging inferno. "Lord, remember me." Now there was nothing that merited Christ's response to him, but the thief dared to hope anyway. And for that he was rewarded with eternal life.

Two men. Two cries. One desire, yet two outcomes. I am convinced that inside the hearts of men is a desire for salvation. Who wouldn't want such a special gift? It is imperative that we foster this hope in people through our lives and our personal testimonies. Let us be diligent to give them every opportunity to receive the gift of life. Even the hardest of hearts can be quickly melted by the warmth of God's hope. Salvation waits for us all if only we would be faithful enough to cry in earnest, "Lord, save me! Hosanna!"