This Lenten and Easter season has inspired me to reflect on one of the best know symbols of Christianity and our faith—the CROSS.
I believe this song, Meanwhile Back at the Cross, by Gordon Mote, is a perfect introduction and focus for these thoughts.
Take a few times and listen to the lyrics of the song. I hope you will be as blessed as I have been by listening to it.
I like how Mote brings out what Satan was thinking at first when he sees Jesus on the cross.
Can you visualize the scene and put yourself at the foot of the cross too?
What a great sacrifice Jesus made so that ALL of mankind could be saved through His death, a painful, agonizing death on a cross.
Sometimes it seems hard for us to fathom what that must have been like since thankfully we don’t really see people being crucified these days. But, reading the stories of what Jesus went through I think does make us all appreciate the torment He went through for our salvation….for us to be able to spend eternity with God, Our Father, and Jesus.
They stripped Him and put a scarlet robe on Him, and then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on His head. They put a staff in His right hand and knelt in front of Him and mocked Him. They spit on Him, and took the staff and struck Him on the head again and again. After they had mocked Him, they took off the robe and put His own clothes on Him. They led Him away to crucify Him. –Matthew 27:28-31 (NIV)
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What does the cross represent for you and me?
–Goodness conquered evil
–Satan is defeated
–Salvation for all our sins
–Victory over sin and death
The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. –1 Corinthians 15:56-57 (NIV)
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What did the cross represent for Jesus?
–great suffering
–the ultimate sacrifice for mankind
–obedience to God’s plan
“Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” –Luke 22:42 (NIV)
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What did the cross represent for Mary?
–Sorrow seeing her Son suffer
–Her seed crushing the serpent’s head
–God’s plan was fulfilled at last
Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished! –Luke 1:45 (NIV)
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What did the cross represent to Satan?
–that he was not in charge anymore
–that he was defeated
–God won out
He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.” –Luke 10:18-19 (NIV)
What other gifts are lavished upon us by Jesus’ drops of blood that He shed at the cross for you and me?
–Forgiveness
–Mercy
–Grace
–Everlasting love
–Peace
–Joy
In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that He lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. –Ephesians 1:7-8 (NIV)
But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions–it is by grace you have been saved. –Ephesians 2:4-5 (NIV)
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit, because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men. –Romans 14:17-18 (NIV)
May you have a blessed Easter rejoicing in thanksgiving to our Lord for the power of His cross and resurrection in your life! What great love He has for you!
Thank you for this inspiring message right before I give my (video) testimony at church tomorrow! This Easter season has so much meaning for me as it reminds me of that day, 18 years ago, that Jesus forgave MY sins – and how much freedom I have felt ever since….it was a day I never looked back from. All the glory goes to God!!!
Thanks for your kind words, Carol. How exciting to learn about your testimony tomorrow! I can’t wait to witness your upcoming baptism too! God is so good, and I’m so proud to see you continually growing closer to Him with each passing day. Love and prayers to you and your family this Easter and always!
Christine,
Thank you for speaking to the Ladies of Charity at our annual “Morning of Reflection”. I have been to a couple of meetings since & I only hear of glowing comments on your presentation! They especially liked the way you kept going back connecting the scriptures to our work with the poor! It has inspired us all! Thank you for the copy of your notes for me to read. I was so sorry to miss you presenting it! Good luck to you in your ministry! Now I have to get back to reading your book! God bless you! CRH
Hello, Carol… It was my honor and privilege to try to encourage the Ladies of Charity as they model Jesus’ mission when He walked this earth. God is so good and faithful with His inspiration and orchestrations. It is wonderful to know it brought inspiration to you all to keep up the wonderful work you do for those in need. Thanks for reading and sharing. I am grateful! God bless~