Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Cross (as in the Cross of Christ) (08/17/06)
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TITLE: The Power of the Cross | Previous Challenge Entry
By Doreen Hammond
08/23/06 -
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Reflecting on what the cross of Christ means to me these days seems a bit different than it did years ago. Why? I am asking myself the same question. But first, let’s start with what does it mean to me? It for sure is my salvation and it is the way that I get to go to Heaven. Also, it means that I am forgiven for my sins and the reason for that is Jesus paid the dear price on the cross.
After seeing the movie, The Passion, I will never think on the precious cross in a light manner again. The brutality and abuse that took place before the cross and then, to show His love by taking my sin and the sin of the world all while hanging on it was an incredible act. Being executed in the manner in which Jesus was couldn’t have been anymore horrid, yet He gracefully accepted the task set before Him. Not just anyone could do this; it took Jesus. Some people might argue and say lots of people hung on crosses. It was “what they did back in those days.” Although a true statement, they didn’t go with out a fight and they didn’t go with the weight of the world on their shoulders.
Jesus didn’t want to get beaten up and suffer, but when it came time, he had the guts to follow through with it. He was primed for the very purpose. He saw each one of us headed for eternity without Him if he didn’t follow through with His plan. We needed to be rescued. Who would help us if not Him? You? Me? Not a chance! It took divine power and wisdom with precise execution. It took unconditional love to carry out such an arrangement. He loves us no matter what.
So, yes, I suppose I have neglected the cross lately, but why, I don’t know. I guess I let the enemy shut my eyes to the Power of the cross. I know its symbolism is everywhere. Have you ever just looked up and saw the cross in the telephone poles? I wonder if they hung Jesus that high. The symbol of the cross…
I’m very glad to know that no matter what emotional state I’m in, God is with me. And it’s just a matter of time before the cross becomes a very real part of my daily walk again. I know we have to pick up our cross daily and walk with Him, but lately, I’ve just been carrying it around by myself. There is no reward in that, just blood and bruises. But carrying the cross with Jesus brings great rewards.
An old Hymn I love very much is, “The Old Rugged Cross, by George Bennard.” The whole song is great, but the third stanza really sums it up for me:
In that old rugged cross,
Stained with blood so divine,
A wondrous beauty I see,
For 'twas on that old cross
Jesus suffered and died,
To pardon and sanctify me.
So, with that song, now playing in the background, I will let the power of the blood of Jesus do what it does best. Bring healing to my soul and give me the strength, the will and the drive to carry on another day.
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