Isaiah 45:22 Look to me and be saved, all the ends of the earth!  For I am God, and there is no other. (NKJV)

The second criminal condemned to die next to Jesus was saved in the final hours of his life.  The heart change he experienced, which lead to his salvation, was begun when he beheld Jesus dying on the cross.

“But he was wounded for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the punishment that made us whole, and by his bruises we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5)

The image of Christ dying on the cross is one that we too need to behold. Our own heart transformation can only happen when we drop the pretense that we are capable of doing better, or being better, on our own.  We are never going to be able to come out from under the power of sin by ourselves.

But when we really see Christ on the cross, dying for us, that changes us.  Receiving such perfect love from the One who created us, and who knows every part of us – it humbles us.

Humility is the fear of the LORD; its wages are riches and honor and life. (Proverbs 22:4)

Lord Jesus, who bore my sins in Your body on the cross, to free me from sin so that I might live righteously.  I am like a sheep who goes astray and is in need of a shepherd.  A guardian for my soul.  Without your grace I am lost.  Keep the image of You on the cross ever before me, so that I may find life at Your feet.  Amen  (Based on 1 Peter 2:24-25)