The cross

The cross. 

Reserved for the god-forsaken. 

Destination of lawless ones. Convicted of stirring up insurrection. And strategizing destruction. 

Those rehearsing murder or thievery as a way of life deserve this end. 

So they say. 

Offensive

The cross. 

Offensive to religious ones. 

Distanced from their holier-than-thou undertakings. Placed outside the city walls. 

And they stand back. Steer clear. 

From the unclean. 

The cross

Instrument of death. Assured execution. 

And there hangs the pure and holy. 

Lamb of God. 

Nailed. Pierced. Sacrificed. 

His blood shed. Covering a multitude without number. 

“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Mark 15:34).

Taunts continue

People scoff at this barbaric depiction of “God’s love.” Mock such a “gospel” story. 

How can it be? 

Why would such a mighty God ever stoop to such a thing? 

Taunts continue. Over the centuries. 

Lingering in the arenas of the religious. And the learned. 

Surrender

But then. Throughout the millennia. Eyes open. Ears hear. Hearts turn. 

The search for answers ends with surrender. At this very cross. 

Pride kneels. Brokenness bows. Face to the ground before the One who is holy, holy, holy. 

Stand amazed

“I stand amazed in the presence

of Jesus the Nazarene.

And wonder how He could love me,

a sinner, condemned, unclean.”*

Simply come, He says. Repent and believe.

No human being could think this plan up. 

And bring it to completion.

Only God.

Rejoice

Alleluia. 

Rejoice in the mysterious way of His divine love. Offered so freely and fully for all. 

And forever we will sing, “Glory to His name.”

What about you?

Do you remember the day your eyes were opened to see? When you first surrendered to your Savior?

*My Savior’s Love by Charles H. Gabriel (1905). Public domain.

Related posts and passages

Lost – Resurrection – Brokenness – Stones in the river – Blood and sacrifice – Repent and believe – Salt – Living bread – Living hope – Look for the living – Mark 15:22-39 – Romans 10:9-10 –