Two nights ago I came across a family taking care of two crosses on the highway that had been placed there after the death of a loved one in a car accident. This has to be horrible. Here in this part of Alabama I see crosses regularly. Between my home and Huntsville depending on which route you take there are a total of approximately ten roadside crosses erected in memory of a loved one who lost their life in a tragic car accident. Sometimes they are adorned with ribbons and teddy bears as well. But two days ago was the first time I had actually witnessed some one tending to their family or friends cross to keep them updated or fresh. It got me to thinking not just about how special that loved one was and how much they were missed here on Earth but also the meaning of the cross.
The cross is a symbol in this Christian nation and is often used in of memory of loved one who dies. But the cross is much more than that. To many it is an offense. There are places where governments have made crosses come down as they offend people. There are some pending lawsuits now in our country from groups offended by the cross and what it represents.
Here on Easter Sunday we think of Jesus not being on the cross anymore. He is alive. He is risen indeed. We anticipate the time he will come back and we will be with him in eternity. Philippians 2:8 says "And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!" In the Roman empire the cross was used to crucify criminals but in the case of Jesus this cross becomes a symbol of our Christian faith.Romans 5:6 says " You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly." Dying on a cross was excruciating and pure torture.
The cross is not just about crucifixion but is a symbol of Jesus taking our place and dying for our sins. When we wear the cross it is a way we identify with the Savior and what he did for us. Many do not understand what it means to walk with Jesus and live for him. They feel it is foolish. Many feel Sunday is all they need and that being born in America makes them a Christian. 1 Corinthians 1:18 says "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God."
God was sinless but he took our sin to the cross and died so we might live. But we know he rose again and lives forever. We look forward to his glorious return!
The cross is not about religion but about a relationship with the true living God.
"God so loved the world that he gave his only son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16.
Happy Resurrection Day!
PRAYER: Thank you for your love for us Lord. Thank you for Easter! You are alive and live forever more. I thank you that I can be your hands and feet in this hurting world. I will resist the enemy and he must flee from me. Thank you for forgiving me for my sins. In Jesus Name. Amen.
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