Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. (Hebrews 12:1-3)
Today's Morsel: When is the last time you've heard a good old fashioned message about the cross? If you were to ask most people to explain the cross and its purpose, you would probably be surprised at the answers you would get. Paul said to the church at Corinth, "For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God"(1 Corinthians 1:18). The cross was a symbol of reconciliation. It was to draw us back to God. Jesus said, "And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me" (John 12:32). He further stated to Nicodemus, "And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life" (John 3:13-15). The cross was a fulfillment of Scripture. And because the cross now gives us power, we should always triumph over all our foes. Therefore, as born again believers, every time we see a cross, whether it's being worn around someone neck, on a picture, or even out in the middle a field, it should immediately bring to our minds what Jesus did for us and the whole world at Calvary. That was to redeem us from our sins and to draw us back to Himself.
Sing: On a hill far away stood and old rugged cross, the emblem of suffering and shame; and I love that old cross, where the dearest and best, for a world of lost sinners was slain.
So I'll cherish the old rugged cross, till my trophies at last I lay down; I will cling to the old rugged cross, and exchange it someday for a crown.
No comments:
Post a Comment