I Corinthians 2:2
"For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified."
The cross of Christ still stands as a line in the sand of our society and our world.
The cross of Christ still stands as a defining moment in the history of our species.
It stands between and defines what real life and real death truly are about.
But the cross of Christ is not a dividing truth.
It does not push one away while pulling another in.
The cross of Christ is a clarion call that draws all people.
It does not hold prejudices against any person. But it does uncover and offers healing to the person who carries prejudice around in their heart.
It does not reject the rich and only embrace those in poverty. For any who would come to the cross, rich or poor, will give up everything they possess just from the sheer power and call of Christ to follow.
Society hates the cross. The devil hates the cross. It is a reminder that this world is powerless to save itself. We build monuments of steel and glass to showcase the ability of the human heart. Building up to the sky to make a name for ourselves, yet all the while we destroy everything around us. Why? Because of the darkness of our own heart. Because of the sin/nature that we carry around. It truly is like the elephant in the room during a party. No one wants to talk about it, but everyone is keenly aware that there is an elephant in the room. The cross is such an elephant. It is always there to remind us that there is a better way to live. The cross does not condemn. Our own hearts under the influence of the Holy Spirit uncovers us and we fall under conviction. The truth of our own heart is made evident, but we don't want to admit our need to be saved from ourselves and from the penalty of sin that hangs above us like the sword of Damocles. "Let's party and live like there is no tomorrow!" The cry of the world as the train they ride heads over the cliff. I have watched and wept as train after train has gone into the abyss. People chasing their passions and lusts, all the while rejecting the call to real life. I have also seen people who became broken and tired to the point that they could not go on. There in the emotional/spiritual place of emptiness, a simple cry to God..."Save me, Lord" was met with incredible swiftness by a God eager to save......and embrace the one who would turn to Him.
Why does one embrace God while another rejects the very life that can save him?
I do not know.
I just know that the cross of Christ either draws a person into the presence of Jesus.....
Or is so repulsive to a heart darkened by sin that they run from it. Maybe repulsive is too strong a word. Maybe I should have said that the cross uncovers our hearts and we see ourselves as we truly are. No matter which, the cross is the ultimate symbol of love to a world that is in need of being loved. Loved like never before and in ways a person could never conceive in their own minds or hearts.
There isn't any hidden agenda in the cross. It stands as an invitation to everyone to come and live. Come and receive real life. Come and know the One who died for you so that you could have life.....life abundant......life eternal.
Come and know Jesus!
God on you.....
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