Today's title says it all. Jesus is crucified. As with the other passages we have read already about Christ's suffering, this one hits me hard. Mark's words are simple, "And they crucified him." But when I pause to think what was actually taking place, nailing a man to a cross, it disturbs me greatly. And how callous were the Roman soldiers, who did their duty and then gambled to see who might get his clothes? Pretty hard to believe anyone could be so flippant at such a time. I wonder what became of these soldiers following Christ's death and resurrection? Did they have a change of heart? Feel remorse for what they did? Consider the news that Jesus had risen just another false rumor? One centurion declared at the foot of the cross, "Truly this man was God's son." (Mark 15:39) I wonder about the others.
The devotion is surely correct that it was not the nails that held Jesus on the cross, it was love. On our Lenten cross display at church, there is a cross that expresses that very thought, a heart on a cross, on top of the nails.
More than anything, the cross fills me with hope and leads me to compassion for others. The cross is the promise that God loves me and is with me every day. No matter what happens, the good and the bad, God is there. That's hope. And because God, in Jesus, willingly dies for the world, surely I ought have love and respect for everyone and everything in the world as well. I don't claim to do this perfectly by any means. I too often get self centered and wrapped up in my own concerns. But the cross is a constant reminder that God loves the world and all that is in it. We are Christ's hands and feet today, and ought take that truth seriously as we live our lives..
As I read the Book and then your blog, I remembered when I first heard my friend, Ernie Haas, sing the song, "oh what a Savior", at a Gaither Convert. I have heard it sung several times since, and those power words are running through my mind right now. Praise. God! Thank you, Jesus!
ReplyDeleteWhat happened on the cross is unfathomable to me, the pain and suffering that Jesus endured for me, for all of humankind. I can't understand why He would do this, just to be with me. How is my life different as a result? I am humbled to the point of being unable to stand alone, I am undeserving, yet He doesn't think so. This takes away my shame, my loneliness, my wretchedness, so I am able to Praise Him and live a life in communion with Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, freed from the bondage of my sins. Praise His Holy Name!
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