Day Thirty Eight - Lenten Devotionals 2010

Three Crosses

Three crosses on a lonely hill,

A thief on either side,

And, in between, the Son of God …

How wide the gulf—how wide!

Yet one thief spanned it with the words,

“Oh Lord, remember me”;

The other scoffed and turned aside

To lost eternity.

Forsaken is the hilltop now,

And all the crosses gone,

But in believing hearts of men

The center cross lives on.

And still, as when these sentinels

First met earth’s wondering view,

The presence of the Lord divides—

Upon which side are you? —Helen Franzee Bower

Legend of the Cross Maker: A touching legend tells us that when Jesus was a boy at Nazareth He met a Roman lad by the name of Fidus, who confided this desire: “I am looking for Joseph, the carpenter. From him I want to learn the arts of his craft.”

“I can lead you to him,” answered Jesus, “for I am called the Son of Joseph.”

As Fidus watched and learned from Joseph, Jesus told him of a great King who would one day be raised upon a throne so high that all the world would see.

Fidus exclaimed:

“Would that I might build the exalted throne of the great King!” “Fidus,” said Jesus, “you will be the one to build the throne of the great King, the throne from which He shall rule the nations. I promise you.”

Years passed, Fidus went home to Jaffa and practiced his trade with honor. He happened to return to Jerusalem on a day when the Jewish capitol was in an uproar. He could hear cries of: “Crucify Him! He makes Himself a King.”

As he passed the gate of Pilate’s palace, a Roman soldier who knew the skill of Fidus greeted him: “You are especially welcome, Fidus. Three are to be crucified today, and only two crosses are prepared.”

Fidus was assigned the task. He put all his skill into its making, and viewed his finished product with pride. Later he followed the crowd outside the town and up a hill. He heard a voice, a voice he could never forget. Looking closely he saw a figure, a figure he could never forget. Yes, it was the Boy of Nazareth, now a Man, but writhing in agony on the “throne” Fidus had made. His eyes were opened. —Selected