Devotional Gems by Jolene: The Cross--Mirror of God

Friday, April 10, 2009

The Cross--Mirror of God

THE CROSS-MIRROR OF GOD
John 10:17-18
“The reason My Father loves Me is that I lay down My life—only to pick it up again. No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of My own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from My Father.”

Lots of people wear a cross. Their reasons for choosing this particular piece of jewelry are many and as varied as the colors of the rainbow. Fact: the cross represents what is arguably the most painful method of execution. Crucifixion usually began with the criminal’s flogging—both front and back. Soldiers used a strip of leather split into three cords, each imbedded with bone.

The whipping tore a person’s flesh to ribbons. No wonder the criminal couldn’t carry his own cross up Golgotha’s hill!

At the dreaded site, soldiers would hammer a square nail into the hands or wrists; another nail secured the ankles onto the timber. As the soldiers raised the plank, it slammed into the hole with a deafening “thud.” In order to breathe, the convicted man had to push up on his bloody ankles. His death by suffocation came slowly and was excruciating.

Jesus is God, but fully man. He endured this physical agony, plus emotional and spiritual anguish willingly. His people rejected Him. His disciples denied Him and fled. His Father turned away from His suffering when He took our sin upon Himself. (Matthew 27:46, 2 Corinthians 5:21).

And yet, Jesus didn’t see Himself as a victim. He shed His blood on our behalf freely, considering it pure joy. (Hebrews 12:2). No greater love exists.

From the beginning of time, Father God required a penalty for disobedience to His commands. This means that Jesus knew before He was even born that His death would be required to save mankind from eternal death. Could you have lived 33 years as fervently as Jesus did—all the while knowing what lay ahead—for people who scorned Him, refused to believe Him, and demanded His death?

No greater love exists.

Take Home Nugget

The cross mirrors God as a symbol of supreme Love. It represents forgiveness for our sins—our salvation. It screams God’s love reaching out to His children. In addition, we see His glory in its reflection: perfect love balanced by perfect justice. Perfect truth balanced by perfect grace.