By Mark Maher
Charles Spurgeon once said, “Stand at the foot of the cross, and count the purple drops by which you have been cleansed: See the thorn-crown; mark His scourged shoulders, still gushing with encrimsoned rills…And if you do not lie prostrate on the ground before that cross, you have never seen it.”
“The man with a cross no longer controls his destiny; he lost control when he picked up his cross. That cross immediately became to him an all-absorbing interest, an overwhelming interference. No matter what he may desire to do, there is but one thing he can do; that is, move on toward the place of crucifixion.” A. W. Tozer
We see all kinds of tragedy around our world. We often wonder how God can let it happen. How do we reckon with the loss of young lives and diseases. It’s easy to want to get upset with God. To place the blame on God, yet “if you want to determine whether God loves you, don’t look at your current situation; LOOK TO THE CROSS.” Henry T. Blackaby
1 Corinthians 1:18 states that “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.” “As for me, may I never boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of that cross, my interest in this world has been crucified, and the world’s interest in me has also died.” (Galatians 6:14)
“But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Roman’s 5:8) He sent down His son to save the world, not condemn it. (John 3:17) That tells me He has a heart for compassion, mercy, and grace; not condemnation. “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1)
We look to the cross as a reminder of Christ’s unconditional love for us. We often question why things happened in our lives and why tough things happen around the world, but we look to the cross as a reminder of just how much Christ really loves us, and we reflect on how He never promised us a life without suffering. “Grace teaches us that God loves because of who God is, not because of who we are.” Philip Yancey
“We fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before Him He ENDURED the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” (Hebrews 12:2-3) “All those who belong to Jesus Christ are fastened with Him to the cross.” Augustine
“Come, and see the victories of the cross. Christ’s wounds are your healings, His agonies your repose, His conflicts your conquests, His groans your songs, His pains your ease, His shame your glory, His death your life, His sufferings your salvation.” Matthew Henry
It would seem that the cross is a place of agony and defeat yet it’s really the place of victory, triumph and redemption. This is why you always have to look again, look a little deeper, and find the true narrative of our faith. “Jesus did what nobody had ever done. He fused the two Old Testament images—the servant who would suffer (Isaiah 53) and the son of man who would reign.”(Daniel 7) John Stott
Christ has never been against you, we are fighting the sin of man. His promise comes later. “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” (Revelation 21:4) But while we are here, “in this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
Luke 14:27, Jesus states: “And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.” Are you sacrificing yourself for Christ each day? The cross is our fuel. His love for us is why we can die to ourselves, and to then live for Christ. It’s gratefulness. “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” (Luke 9:23)
1. We see tragedy all around us. It’s easy to blame God. But remind yourself “to look at the cross.” It’s the cross that fuels us from His love. How does God’s love for us motivate you to do good works?
2. What does the cross teach you about God? What in your heart do you think God wants to resurrect in you?
3. Jesus promised us that suffering would be apart of our life. (Luke 9:23-24) Through the cross, you are a new creation. What do you need to lay down in order to live for Christ?
