Amazing stories of “rags to riches” fill books, magazine articles and internet accounts. Every profession, sports, business, medicine, academics and all others, has its share of stories about the impossible becoming possible. Horatio Alger Jr. a prolific 19th-century American author secured his literary niche by writing about impoverished boys and their rise from humble beginnings to wealthy stations in life. It’s a story we never tire of.

By definition, “rags to riches” means any situation where a person rises from poverty to wealth, from obscurity to fame, sometimes instantly and often because of the influence of another. Some of the best known “rags to riches” tales are found in movies like “The Blind Side” and “Slumdog Millionaire.” Reality shows like “American Idol” and games shows like “The Price is Right” are modern day “rags to riches” tales. The hope of a better tomorrow is a driving force in the lives of all of mankind.

As I was reading the Easter story, as I do about this time every year, I was meditating on the actual crucifixion of Christ. It was such a brutal form of punishment and death! I always feel sadness even though the scripture tells me in Hebrews 12:2 that Jesus endured the cross for the joy that was set before Him. The joy was found in becoming the author and finisher of our faith. When He uttered, “It is finished,” the old covenant was abolished and a new covenant was instituted. Jesus and all of heaven rejoiced because of the gift of salvation that was purchased on Calvary!

Tucked within the story of Christ death on the cross, is the greatest “rags to riches” story ever.

In Luke 23:32-43 NKJ we find this account. “There were also two others, criminals, led with Him to be put to death. And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right hand and the other on the left. Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.”

And they divided His garments and cast lots. And the people stood looking on. But even the rulers with them sneered, saying, “He saved others; let Him save Himself if He is the Christ, the chosen of God.”

 The soldiers also mocked Him, coming and offering Him sour wine,  and saying, “If You are the King of the Jews, save Yourself.” And an inscription also was written over Him in letters of Greek, Latin, and Hebrew: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS. 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.”

 And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”

From the punishment of sin and the rags of judgment, this second thief immediately inherited the riches of heaven because of his encounter with Christ. Paradise as promised by Jesus to the thief is defined as “the ultimate abode of the just.” The thief went from shame and poverty, to position and riches because he humbled himself, acknowledged the sinless Christ and received forgiveness. What an amazing “rags to riches” story! This story is still repeated daily as an individual comes humbly to Christ, admits his sin and receives the finished work of the cross. Why live in rags when Jesus has provided the riches of heaven for those who acknowledge Him?