Respect The Cross

I was recently in a time of prayer and meditation and as I was reflecting on the cross of Christ. I heard Holy Spirit say, "respect the cross". Respect is an act of giving particular attention : CONSIDERATION, high or special regard : ESTEEM, the quality or state of being esteemed (Webster). The cross of Christ is a place of serious sacrifice. The cross represents a love that goes beyond human intellect and understanding. The cross of Christ is not just a commemorative event, but the sacrifice that Jesus made for all of humanity was the most selfless act of love anyone can display. The events surrounding the cross were not pretty and cute; in fact they were the very opposite. The days did not look like Easter lilies, yellow bunnies, and expensive outfits. Those days were horrific and traumatic for all of those that loved Jesus; as they stood by and watched him be put to an open shame. He took 39 stripes representing the diseases known during his time, for our healing and wholeness. "But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed" (Isaiah 53:5). C.S Lewis said, "It costs God nothing, so far as we know, to create nice things: but to convert rebellious wills cost Him crucifixion." The act of love through obedience that Christ displayed has the power to transform, heal, deliver, and make whole. Through the finished work of Christ on the cross we are able to live a victorious life in this current age. It is my desire to see the pews become a place of power and purpose. In order for this to happen there must be a respect for the cross. The cross of Christ is an expression of a Father going to extreme lengths to save a dying world. As we enter into this Easter season; where we take a moment to remember and reminisce on the acts surrounding Calvary; I wish to adonish you to live each day respecting the cross. If it were not for the cross we would not have victory over sin. If it were not for the cross we would not see our lives become the reflection of Gods heart and desire for us. Paul said, "the cross of Christ delivers him from sin and death" ( paraphrase). "What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God's law, but in my sinful nature a slave to the law of sin". (Romans 7:24-25). This act of intercession came as a result of willful sin as man allowed sin to enter their hearts by choosing to rebel against God's command and covenant. The intercession that was made by Christ's act of love; when He knew no sin but became sin and a sacrifice and ransom for many. God requires our full obedience and submission to His will, regardless of how our emotions (flesh) feel about it. The only glimpse we get into the humanity of Jesus concerning the cross is in the garden of gethsemane, when Jesus was requesting that He would rather be able to take option "B" if it was possible (paraphrase). Yet, Gods will was His utmost priority as He willfully submitted. I want to encourage you to respect the cross. The cross was a matter of life and death and the acts of the cross transformed the lives of Generations yet to come. When you decide to fulfill the will of God in your life, you will see not only your life transformed but also the lives around you. Respect The Cross.

Sherri Downs

Touch Downs Enterprise

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