HEAVENSREEF

There is a shape that all this brokenness around us can be and that is the shape of the CROSS.  Because the CROSS is the answer to all of the world’s ills.  But why do some find this answer and others do not? 

Why do some suffer needlessly instead of turning to the ONE who suffered and died…….for them?  I certainly don’t have all those answers…….GOD does.  The CROSS is the true answer and solution to everything. 

Easter is coming soon…….let’s remember CHRIST’S suffering for us and love for us on the CROSS.  HE was crucified by evil men one Friday and it just so happened to be the worst thing in history to ever occur, only to bring about the most joyous and wonderful thing in all of history………the resurrection! 

There are people right now all around us suffering physically and mentally……..be the CROSS of Christ to them.  The Cross is the solution and if you believe you can carry the message of the CROSS to others you will agree with this: 

OSWALD CHAMBERS SAID:  “YOU MAY OFTEN SEE JESUS CHRIST WRECK A LIFE BEFORE HE SAVES IT.”

And if your life has been wrecked and now you are saved by the CROSS of Christ, then the CROSS is your message and it is precious to you.  It is the power of HIS grace that you have been saved!

MATTHEW 10: 34  “DO NOT THINK THAT I HAVE COME TO BRING PEACE TO THE EARTH.  I HAVE NOT COME TO BRING PEACE, BUT A SWORD.”

JESUS knew then why HE came and it’s why we can embrace the Cross now.  HIS word was left for us, to correct us and to strengthen us, but it is meant to be shared to show what the Cross was for:  redemption and the forgiveness of sins.   HE chose the nails for us and we put HIM on the Cross due to our sinfulness.  But CHRIST loves us that much, that HE remained faithful in following what the FATHER had required of HIM.

JESUS CRIED IN THE GARDEN FOR HIS FATHER TO REMOVE THAT CUP FROM HIM ON THE WAY TO THE CROSS KNOWING HE WOULD BE CRUCIFIED.

The Cross remained in JESUS’ sight and so it should remain in ours.  HE was crucified and we are in turn saved by HIS mercy and grace. 

It is a good thing to know…….that there were two choices at the Cross on that Friday.  The two thieves that hung there beside JESUS made a choice.  One chose to be with HIM in paradise and the other rejected HIM in his contempt of JESUS.  The Cross is clear as to which thief we are.  

1 CORINTHIANS 1: 18  “FOR THE MESSAGE OF THE CROSS IS FOOLISHNESS TO THOSE WHO ARE PERISHING, BUT TO US WHO ARE BEING SAVED IT IS THE POWER OF GOD.”

We have a choice plain and simple:  choose CHRIST or choose the world and perish.  Which is it for you?  If you have picked up the CROSS of CHRIST already, then be HIS message to others.   Our message to the world is the CROSS and all that it stands for.  The GOSPEL is to be shared and not to be kept hidden. 

ONLY THE CROSS REMAKES AND REDEEMS.

And in order for anyone to know………to live whole, the CROSS has to happen in each person’s heart.  We each pick up our own Cross and carry it each day and Paul reminds us to do this:

GALATIANS 6: 14  “BUT FAR BE IT FROM ME TO BOAST EXCEPT IN THE CROSS OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST.”

To stand in the shadow of the CROSS is to know it’s true redemption for you.  Let that be our boast!  The Cross is the answer since the beginning of time, GOD’S plan since the beginning, for you and for me.  Embrace the Cross today on the LORD’S day, then go and share it’s message with the world.

HEBREWS 12: 2  “LET US FIX OUR EYES ON JESUS, THE AUTHOR AND PERFECTER OF OUR FAITH, WHO FOR THE JOY SET BEFORE HIM ENDURED THE CROSS, SCORNING ITS SHAME, AND SAT DOWN AT THE RIGHT HAND OF THE THRONE OF GOD.”