The Cross

Today, as I was cleaning house, I began to reflect on the many crosses that we have hanging throughout our home. I love crosses and have them hanging in almost every room. I have them in our home to remind us each and every day of the sacrifice that our Savior made for us.

However, I think all too often we look at the cross as simply decoration or jewelry. We have minimized the huge significance of the cross. I often see people on TV or walking down the street wearing the cross but doing things that would not be pleasing to God. Don't you know that it breaks the heart of our Father to see that what meant so much has come to mean so little in our culture?

When I think about that day - that terrible, yet beautiful day, I can't imagine how anyone could look at a cross without being extremely grateful. The cross reminds me of the pain, the suffering, and the unbelievable sacrifice that Jesus made for us. I can't help but think of His mother Mary and the pain that she must have endured that day. Knowing that God's heart grieved for His only son as He watched Him go through such a terrible death, brings my heart grief. But knowing that God loved me that much brings me joy and a heart of thankfulness.

Thinking about the cross can be overwhelming. Knowing what Jesus went through that day is almost too much to conceive. However, as Christians we know that our Savior did not stay on that cross. Our Savior did not stay in the grave. Instead, our Savior lived and is alive today. You see, just as His Father had promised, Jesus was raised from the dead and ascended into Heaven to be with His Heavenly Father.

1 Peter 2:24 says "He personally carried away our sins in His own body on the cross so we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. You have been healed by his wounds!"

Wow! The cross carries so much meaning. As I sit here writing this, looking at the cross on my wall, I realize that it stands for death, it stands for life, and most importantly it stands for the relationship that I am able to have with the Father all because of Jesus' ultimate sacrifice.

So next time you see a cross hanging on a wall or in a jewelry store, take some time to reflect on what the cross truly means. Remember the sacrifice that was made for you and take a moment to thank your Savior for giving His life so that you could have yours. Thank Him for enduring the pain and torture so that you could experience forgiveness and eternal life. Don't allow the significance of the cross to become minimized in your life. Realize the reality of what Christ did for you and thank Him for it every day!

Some Things to Think About:

1. How often do you see crosses throughout the day?
2. Have you seen crosses so often in society that it has lost its meaning or do you realize the significance and reality of the cross?
3. Have you ever take the time to truly reflect on what Christ endured that day? Have you truly thanked Him for the sacrifice that He made so that you could receive eternal life?

Words of Worth:

"God sent Jesus to take the punishment for our sins and to satisfy God's anger against us. We are made right with God when we believe that Jesus shed His blood, sacrificing His life for us." Romans 3:25

"He personally carried away our sins in His own body on the cross so we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. You have been healed by his wounds!" 1 Peter 2:24

"God so loved the world that He gave his only son so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but will have everlasting life." John 3:16