The Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ is the corner stone of our faith. It is the chosen symbol of the Christian faith. Thank God, we see it now as an empty cross because the seeming tragedy for good and apparent victory for evil was overturned by the power and purposes of God into the triumph of the resurrection of Jesus.
But what does it mean to us? Is the Cross in our experience more meaningful than a nicely sculpted piece of wood or an elegantly-shaped piece of gold hung around the neck? The Cross of Christ is God’s final word as to the character and consequence of human sin, and of the wonder and sacrifice of divine love.
Jesus went to the Cross so that we, through his death and resurrection might have a personal relationship with God and that we might know its power in every area of our lives. When we speak of "the Cross", we’re not thinking of it in the purely physical sense of two rough pieces of wood, bolted together and suspended by its vertical section before being dropped into a hole in the ground.
To the Christian, it is much more than that - "the Cross" is a "shorthand" expression meaning the death of Jesus. It’s Jesus stretched out between heaven and earth, suffering more than anyone has ever suffered, for you and me. The Cross is Jesus as our Savior There is no holier place that we can ever hope to come to - the Cross is the place "to where heaven’s love and heaven’s justice meet."
The Cross of the Lord Jesus Christ is the foundation of our faith. The prophet Zechariah looked forward to the coming of Jesus when he said, "on that day a fountain will be opened to the House of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, to cleanse them from sin and impurity" (Zechariah 13:1). Have you been to the Cross? The Cross meant death for Jesus but, praise God, it is the place where life is ministered to us through His death.
Allow these wonderful Words of Jesus from the Cross to speak to you ( Luke 23:34-43; John 19:26-30) - feed on them in your hearts by faith:
"Father, forgive them" - there’s forgiveness for you at the Cross.
"Today, you will be with me" - there’s salvation for you at the Cross.
"Woman, here is your son" - there’s love for you at the Cross.
"My God, my God, why have you forsaken me" - there’s atonement for you at the Cross.
"I thirst" - Jesus suffered for you at the Cross.
"It is finished" - Jesus was the victor over sin for you at the Cross.
"Father, into your hands I commit my spirit" - there’s eternal security for you at the Cross.
When evangelist John Wesley was returning home from a service one night, he was robbed. The thief, however, found his victim to have only a little money and some Christian literature. As the bandit was leaving, Wesley called out, "Stop! I have something more to give you." The surprised robber paused. "My friend," said Wesley, "you may live to regret this sort of life. If you ever do, here's something to remember: 'The blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin!'" The thief hurried away, and Wesley prayed that his words might bear fruit.
Years later, Wesley was greeting people after a Sunday service when he was approached by a stranger. What a surprise to learn that this visitor, now a believer in Christ as a successful businessman, was the one who had robbed him years before! "I owe it all to you," said the transformed man. "Oh no, my friend," Wesley exclaimed, "not to me, but to the precious blood of Christ that cleanses us from all sin!"
The Bible is clear when it tells us that the way to be saved is for the sinner to accept by faith what the Bible teaches about Jesus, and His atoning death on the cross, Romans 10:9-10. This is what the teaching of the cross is all about! It is not about you quitting your sins! It is about you coming to Jesus by faith! It's not about turning over a new leaf, it's about placing your faith in Jesus and Him alone for salvation!
Prayer: O God, by the passion of Your blessed Son You made an instrument of shameful death to be for us the means of life: Grant us so to glory in the cross of Christ, that we may gladly suffer shame and loss for the sake of Your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
May God bless you!
Riley
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