I, the preacher, gave a sermon though I had so little time,
It’s not too late for those lost in sin, your souls the Lord to find.
And though a thief, my life in grief has walked on evil path,
Not by much, I’ve missed the touch of God’s most awful wrath.
Now all my life I’ve not known God, but He’s here with me at last,
He spoke in great forgiveness, no mention of my past.
Why men would dare try to kill Him, as if they really could
Destroy the King of glory with nails and piece of wood.
He’s done no wrong, He knew no sin, I do not understand
How the Creator of all there is could suffer such from man.
My associate did taunt Him, just like all the rest,
Great disregard from hearts so hard, He suffered quite a test.
“Father please forgive them, they know not what they do,”
A prayer said for His tormenters and also me and you.
Me, I’ve been served justice, my punishment was due,
But this One has done nothing wrong; He’s perfect through and through.
Jesus, please remember me when into your Kingdom you come.
He looked at me with His pain filled face where blood and sweat did run.
“I tell you truly,” is what He said as He suffered end of life,
“This day you’ll see, you’ll be with me, in sweetest paradise.”
A sermon from a sinner, who’d have ever thought
That saints throughout the ages, by me they would be taught.
My last request before my death would give the whole world hope.
We can be saved from death and grave and hell’s most slippery slope.
My cross it was my pulpit, my sermon Love and grace.
My own deeds did not save me, all I had was faith
In the blood of Christ the Savior I watched its precious flow.
And all you need is Christ indeed and His great Love to know.
As long as you are breathing, Salvation can be yours.
But not to choose, you may well lose, when you go through death’s doors.
And if you know the truth, my friend, you can be a preacher too.
In minutes you might change someone’s world and do like I did do.
My hands were nailed like Jesus’, His honor, but my shame.
Though most my life was worthless, I now exalt His Name.
My message short and to the point, but heard throughout the ages;
And every Bible throughout the world it’s printed on its pages.
What Jesus did see in me, He sees in every man.
Oh thank you, my sweet Savior, we both have nail scarred hands.
Tertius
Then he said,
“Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
Jesus answered him,
“Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
Luke 23:42-43
A note about “The Preacher”: The thief on the cross who received salvation within minutes of His death, this story has been brought up countless times in reference to different subjects such as: it’s never too late; God’s grace and forgiveness to even the worst sinners; and defending Jesus when everyone else is hating and ridiculing Him and what He stands for. Also, I’ve used his salvation as an argument for those who think physical water baptism is mandatory for salvation. But calling this man a preacher is a bit out of the box. But, if you think about it, what does a preacher do? Mixes his own words with God’s to deliver a message, and what a message! Admit, believe, and confess – it’s all there!