Thank You for the Cross

For every year you’ve been part of the church, you’ve heard an Easter message. Or perhaps, like Joyce, who is a pastor, you’ve preached more than once about the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is pivotal to the Christian faith but familiarity can breed contempt. This week on Kingdom Bloggers we’re sharing our own experiences about keeping the Easter message fresh.

********

I enjoy Holy Week and for many years I was part of a church that celebrates the whole week by encouraging people to  be interactive in the display and each night, there are different ways to experience the cross, from foot washing to lectio devina to communion on Maundy Thursday. I used to participate in it all but this year I feel removed from corporate gatherings and have (and will) create my own personal time to engage with the cross.

In fact, this year has been a season of personal worship and the cross is central. My thoughts reflect on the cross and I continually thank God for his sacrifice because without it, I could not worship as freely as I do. It is a marvel, how much the Father loves us to banish his son to the cross and to separate himself from the son so that we can be brought into fellowship with the Father.

And how much does the Son love us to die for us. Hebrews 12:2 tells us it was a joy before him to endure the cross - the joy of fellowship and unity with us, the ones he died for.

When I think about such love, my heart wants to simultaneously celebrate and weep. Celebrate because I received a gift greater than I deserve and weep because I didn’t deserve it and yet Jesus willingly died in my place.