The Cross of Christ 

   “For Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block for the Jews and foolishness to the gentiles, but to those who are called, Jews and Greeks alike, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.” (1 Cor 1: 22-24) 

   As we begin this Lenten season I think it is very important that we keep the cross of Christ before us.  His cross, on which He offered His life for our sins, is the gateway to redemption, salvation, and the Father’s heavenly kingdom.

   Many came to receive ashes yesterday on Ash Wednesday, but how many immediately went home and washed those ashes off?  How many did not want to go through the day with their faith clearly proclaimed on their forehead?  Sadly, I suspect the great majority did just that and did it as quickly as possible, perhaps even wiping them off in the car before they left the church parking lot.

   But this season is the time to remember that we are dust and will return to dust.  We were created from dust and this mortal body will return to dust.  Yet we are not ordinary dust; if we belong to Christ we are dust that will join the saints in heaven when this life is over.

   Christ did not wipe off the blood of the scourging or the crown of thorns, he bore those signs as He carried His cross through the streets of Jerusalem to Calvary where He was nailed to that cross and died for us.

   His cross means nothing to non-believers, they can’t understand.  Many see the cross but see it empty, without the body of Christ upon it.  But without His body suffering and dying on that cross there is no redemption, no salvation.  It is good that we gaze upon His broken and wounded body and remember; "But He was pierced for our sins, crushed for our iniquity.  He bore the punishment that makes us whole, by his wounds we are healed.” (Isaiah 53: 5).

   During these forty days we need to take time each day to consider all that Christ endured for us.  To sit in silent thanksgiving and praise before our Lord on the cross that saves.