03/21/2021
As Easter draws closer day by day does the power of God rise up in us as we contemplate Calvary, and the cross on which Jesus was nailed for us? How is it that these two pieces of rough wood, and three Roman nails, can become the battery that electrifies one’s faith, and saves those who believe, yet means nothing to others who are dying in their disbelief?
“For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”
1 Corinthians 1:18 ESV
I heard a comedian speak about the great mystery he felt was contained in a simple thermos. He said “It keeps hot things hot, and cold things cold... how does it know?” The first time I heard this I laughed out loud at how anyone could think of this as a mystery, but the sad truth is that there are so many who look at the Cross of Jesus in a very similar way. Do you wonder to yourself how such a simple device can represent eternal life to one, but only death to another?
“For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.”
Colossians 1:19-20 ESV
Jesus became the one true sacrifice that redeemed heaven and earth, but to understand what this means we must first believe in Him as the Son of God, and have faith in the blood of His sacrifice. When believers look at the cross they see the strength of God’s love for them, they feel the power of redemption, and in this way the cross becomes the essence of eternal life, and joy, to them. On the other hand, to those who will not believe it is a crude instrument of punishment and torture, and for Jesus to have died on it means nothing but defeat and death. This describes the mystery behind how men view the cross, and this explains the “thermos paradox” that we find represented in the cross...
“And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”
Ephesians 5:2 ESV
it was never the thermos, that decided whether something would be hot or cold, nor the cross, that determined whether someone would find life or death there... it was the temperature of the liquid that dictated how they worked. Whether the coffee was hot when placed in the thermos, or the blood was considered our sacrifice as Jesus was nailed to the cross, these determined the behavior of the vessel that contained them.
“he entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption.
Therefore he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has occurred that redeems them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant.”
Hebrews 9:12, 15 ESV
So yes, the cross is a mystery to those who don’t believe, but it is a simple truth to those who do believe, and who have faith in Christ Jesus. To the believers Easter is life, and the cross is the electrifying battery that powers their faith, but to those who don’t believe it appears to be nothing more than folly, and thus an unfounded celebration of death. Today when we consider the cross, and what it means to each of us, what will be the nature of the blood that we believe flows from it? Will we see sacrifice and life, or will we see nothing more than a man’s death? What will be the view you will decide to take?
“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.”
Ephesians 1:7-10 ESV
Prayer:
Father, thank you for your Son Jesus Christ who submitted to your will, and made Himself the Lamb of God... our perfect sacrifice. Thank you for the cross to which He was nailed because it reminds us of the suffering, and extent to which He went, to redeem us, and give us a way to you and eternal life. We pray for the souls of those who still find the cross to be a mystery, and Jesus to be nothing more than a misguided man. We pray that their eyes will be opened, and their hearts be made fertile ground for the seed of salvation... the gospel message of Jesus. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who loved us while we were yet sinners, and called us to Jesus and the cross. Praised be your name Lord for every lesson in faith we receive so that each Easter we will find the cross to be more electrifying, and our faith to be arcing with greater intensity from its power. You are merciful Father, and your grace which flows from Jesus to cover us, remains a mystery that we accept as truth, but understand better with each drink we take from the cup of Christ. Wash us in the blood of Jesus, and cleanse us of every sin. Lead us to our own crosses Father, and strengthen us so that we can obey your will as we carry them to ur own Calvary. Hear our voices as we worship you, and our righteous prayers as our faith leads us to offer them to you. Find us worthy in Christ so that on the day of our judgement you will be pleased, and seat us at your table for an eternity with you.
Rich Forbes