The Power Of The Cross

Day 2 of 5 Day Devotional.

At The Cross We Find Forgiveness

At the foot of the cross Jesus hung beaten beyond recognition, using every bit of energy and strength to draw his breath we get a glimpse into the depth of his breaking yet boundless heart. As he looks down from the cross he can see many people groups before him, he can hear the statements of mockery and hatred being slurred at him, he can hear the tones of anger, and he can see the soldiers laughing in scorn at yet another valueless Jew.

I can only imagine the pain Jesus must have experienced seeing and hearing the words about him. I sometimes say words inflict deeper physical pain. Jesus was experiencing both yet in the most painful moments of his life he draws in a deep breath and speaks to the Father knowing the last words he can speak would be words that would set many free. Jesus had every opportunity and right to give in to the hurt and pain; he could have allowed bitterness and hatred to enter his heart because he was innocent. He could have called angels to release him from the pain and shame and show the world who he was. But the love of our Savior for us kept him there. 

Luke records this statement, “Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34 NIV)

We often remember the cross only around the Easter season, and we fail to see how important it is that we remember the cross daily. Every day we must remind ourselves that we too were mockers and scorners of the work of Jesus Christ, we too were in darkness, and walking around blind thinking we knew what was best for us. We were not very different from the mockers at the foot of the cross with the rebellious lifestyles we lived before we met Jesus. The power of the cross to offer forgiveness when we are so undeserving of it cuts to the core of my heart every single time.

The cross reminds me that just as I have been so freely forgiven, I can now with the strength of Jesus offer this very same forgiveness to others. My friends we cannot afford to go a day without visiting this place I call the “foot of the cross” because it is here his forgiveness flows freely to all who comes.

Desire: Lord, help me grasp the forgiveness you offer me so I may also offer the same to others. 

Today’s Devotional Verse

Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home. John 19:25‭-‬27 KJV https://bible.com/bible/1/jhn.19.25-27.KJV

Today’s Devotional Verse

Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments, and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also his coat: now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout. They said therefore among themselves, Let us not rend it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be: that the scripture might be fulfilled, which saith, They parted my raiment among them, and for my vesture they did cast lots. These things therefore the soldiers did. John 19:23‭-‬24 KJV https://bible.com/bible/1/jhn.19.23-24.KJV

Today’s Devotional Verse

And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was, JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS. This title then read many of the Jews: for the place where Jesus was crucified was nigh to the city: and it was written in Hebrew, and Greek, and Latin. Then said the chief priests of the Jews to Pilate, Write not, The King of the Jews; but that he said, I am King of the Jews. Pilate answered, What I have written I have written. John 19:19‭-‬22 KJV https://bible.com/bible/1/jhn.19.19-22.KJV

The Power Of The Cross

Day 1 of 5 Day Devotional.

The Power Of The Cross 

I have gained such an appreciation of the cross of Jesus Christ in recent years. For a long time, I struggled to understand how something so gruesome could hold so much value for my life. As my relationship with God grew, I got a better understanding of the preciousness of the cross. Many people today look at the cross as the symbol of Christianity, so they assume that if someone is wearing a cross as jewelry or has the cross tattooed that the person belongs to the Christian faith! We see crosses as the backdrop of many church stages or on the outside of church buildings elevated for all to see. The cross identifies the Christians. 

The staggering truth about the cross is that while many wear it as a symbol of identity the power resident in the finished work of the cross is not known and therefore not manifested in the lives of the very ones who display it publicly. I hope that after you complete this plan, the cross will become more valuable to you than money, possessions or precious stones. I love the cross, and though today it is only recognized as a symbol the cross has become a permanent place in my long-term memory I visit every day. I find grace, peace, and joy at the very place meant to be death, shame, and scorn. The Apostle Paul makes mention to the church of Corinth that the cross seems absurd to those who are wise in their own eyes but for those who understand the cross, it is the very power of God. (1 Corinthians 1:18)

As we read about the crucifixion in John chapter 19, we are presented with a scene that incorporates all people groups like no other in history. Let us examine the scene a little closer:

  1. The Place of the crucifixion – Golgotha translated as the place of the skull.
  2. The Symbol – The Cross on which the innocent will die a death for the guilty.
  3. Two Thieves – Also on crosses hanging on the right and left of Jesus; they deserved death.
  4. The Judge – Pilate, holding the authority to put to death the guilty and uphold the laws of the land.
  5. The Chief Priests of the Jews – The spiritual leaders’ in charge of teaching the people to be spiritually fit.
  6. The Roman Soldiers – The officers used to enforce and administer punishment.
  7. Jesus’ mother and disciples – Close family, friends and loved one.

The scene at the foot of the cross involved so many positions, titles, accolades, shame, disgrace, and diversity yet the common denominator to them all was the symbol of the cross.

Desire: Lord, help me to see the power of the cross in my life.