A few weeks ago, a friend of mine and I went to a worship service in the downtown Dallas area. She had been telling me about how great the worship and messages were, so I figured I would go and see for myself. She was right.
The people were warm and inviting. The worship was on point, and so was the message. Mind you, it has been several weeks since my visit, but one of the speakers main points is still fresh on my mind. He made a statement that I didn't think much of at first, but afterwards carried such depth and weight. He pointed out that, "the significance of the cross died with those who witnessed the cross".
Let that marinate in your mind for a minute.
In biblical times, the cross held great significance. It was a symbol of cruel and unusual torture. It was associated with criminals. It shook people to their core, and as a result they did what they could to avoid it.
The cross, in biblical days, was the equivalent to an electric chair. It was that terrifying.
The significance of the cross died with those who witnessed the cross.
How drastically different does our own culture view the cross? Think about it. I know I have dozens of crosses hanging on the walls in my apartment. I'm wearing a ring with a cross on it. Stores sell cross jewelry, decorations, and clothing with crosses decals in the plenty.
If someone from Jesus' day were to see the mass production of cross in our society today, it would be like seeing millions of electric chairs on display-all day everyday.
Those who witnessed the cross saw with their own eyes how brutal, degrading, and agonizing the cross was to those who unfortunate enough to be sentenced to its punishment. Today we walk around with bedazzled crosses on the backs of our jeans. Since when does the cross belong on our pockets?
The significance of the cross died with those who witnessed the cross.
As spring arrives, so does Easter. With Easter comes eggs, bunnies, chocolate, and yes, crosses. We place crosses in our yards, we decorate our homes with crosses, and wear that favorite cross necklace to go with our new Easter dress.
The cross isn't a decoration. It isn't a seasonal ornament. It is significant and has the power to create a ripple effect of change in each of our lives.
One professor stated that, "Peter knew that meditating on the cross would produce a heart of overflowing gratitude to the One who bore so much on our behalf."
1 Peter 2: 24-25
Through Christ's death on the cross, those who turn to Him are delivered from both the penalty and power of sin.
Through Christ's death on the cross, those who turn to Him are delivered from both the penalty and power of sin.
What if the significance of the cross was restored in this generation? What if through the body of Christ, people witnessed and experienced the significance of the cross?
We are human, and in this life we are going to struggle and suffer. If you are experiencing emotional problems-guilt, anxiety, depression, anger--guess what? There is supernatural healing in the cross.
The enemy, Satan, hates the cross with all of his being. It sealed his fate the moment, "It is finished" left Christ's lips. Satan wastes no time in doing all he can to undermine the power and significance of the cross, but don't give him a foothold.
Galatians 6:7
Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked.
Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked.
The cross reveals to us the character of God. The cross highlights his deep love for those who are lost and living in sin, and establishes his perfect justice that was completed in Christ's sacrifice.
As we enter into a season of celebrating the victory that was won, and is still winning, on the cross. I challenge you to make the cross significant not just on Easter, but everyday. Live in such a way to reflect the significance of the cross and the One who endured it for you.
Philippians 2:8-11
And being found in appearance as a man, he bumbled himself and became obedient to death-even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knew should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
And being found in appearance as a man, he bumbled himself and became obedient to death-even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knew should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
