Take A Closer Look at That Cross

“But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone.” (Hebrews 2:9)

We are often warned by newscasters that an upcoming report might contain scenes that can be difficult to look at and maybe not even suitable for young eyes.  Perhaps they should be warning us that the upcoming program or commercial might be something young or old eyes should not even view because of its indecency, but that’s for another post!

There was nothing about the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the Cross of Calvary that was pleasant to the eye or to any other senses!  It was a death scene!  Perhaps we need to give more thought to that event that took place some 2000 years ago … its ugliness and its distastefulness … and the imagery of just how mean and fullness of vitriol mankind can be!

Perhaps, we really need to be singing the song entitled “The Old Rugged Cross” more often and make a close, self-examination into our own hearts.  And if the words, their meaning, don’t do much for us in the 21st century … then we need to ask the Lord to forgive us for our blindness!

Taking a closer look at Calvary will enable those who read about it to understand more clearly the ugliness of sin … our sin … and the greatness of the Father’s love.  He allowed His Son to die on the Cross, to shed His blood to atone for our sins.  Sins that we could not do anything about on our own!

It was the preaching of the Cross … the preaching of Jesus Christ crucified … that cut the hearts of those who heard this message in the first century and led them to ask, “What must I do to be saved?” (Acts 16:30, 31)

Yes, there are so many needs that must be met, addressed and preached on … but we must not ever forget that the message of the Cross is where our salvation and forgiveness of sins is made possible!

The events of the Old Testament pointed to this event at Calvary and the rest of the New Testament following the accounts of the four gospels point back to this day in history!  The message of the Cross is the central theme of the Bible.

The apostle Paul would say to the church in Corinth, “And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God.  For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.” (1 Corinthians 2:1, 2)

And do you know why he said it like this?  Just read on … “And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.” (1 Corinthians 2:4, 5)

Would you go back and take a closer look at Calvary?  Today?  Tonight?  More Often?  Read about it! I promise you that you will be glad you did!

So teachers and preachers of the Gospel of Christ … preach on … campout there for a while … and never become weary of sharing “the unsearchable riches of Christ.”  May each of us be “imitators of Paul” and share this good news with anyone and everyone who will listen, beginning with our own household!

 

Bill Fairchild, Jr.

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