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Saturday 7 September 2013

The Cross



The cross is arguably one of the most recognised symbols on this earth. It's a symbol, a reference point for Christians and we worship the One who died on the cross, not the cross in itself. Catholics tend to depict Christ on the cross - they of course believe in His resurrection, but choose to highlight the passion, or suffering of Christ and focus strongly on the cost that was borne for our salvation. Protestant churches tend to use a plain cross symbol, highlighting the fact that Christ was taken from the cross and rose again from the dead. Either way, we rejoice in the fact that death could not hold our Lord. What was a feared instrument of torture has become a symbol of Christ's lordship.

It is only through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, the One who died on the cross, that we as sinners can come to a personal relationship with God:

"Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12

" Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?”
  Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" John 14:5,6 

Many churches have a cross at the front of the congregation, some central and high on the wall , symbolising  that everything in that church is at the foot of the cross. Some have a standing wooden cross. It serves as a reminder of the price paid for the blessings that we enjoy. It may also serve to help the congregation to focus on God, rather than the worship team or the pastor. I particularly like to focus on the cross when taking communion. 

One interpretation of the symbol of the cross which I like is that it symbolises God's love in two ways: the upright beam shows us that the cross made a path from God to mankind. He is our head and we kneel at His feet. The height and depth of His love is boundless. The horizonatal beam demonstrates the open arms of God, almost in a welcoming gesture, an invitation to be embraced by his love. The width of His love embraces the whole world. It invites us to not only be reconciled to God, but to love one another and be reconciled to one another. In a world of fractured and strained relationships, the power of God's love and the grace that only He can give may be the only possible way this can be achieved.

Father God, we give You all the praise and honour that is Yours alone. Thank You Father, that in Your great love You sent Your Son, Jesus Christ to die on the cross, honouring You and making a way for sinful people to come into right relationship with You, only through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. When we see the cross, may it remind us to love and serve You Father, and to love one another as You have first loved us. Amen

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