The Power of the Cross

 My mother loved reading and she encouraged me to read a lot when I was a child. I always enjoyed the books she read to me and had  me read back to her, but one thing I didn't enjoy was the story of the crucifixion which she had me read one Good Friday. I remember hoping that when Jesus was arrested there would be a happy ending like most of the stories I read, that Jesus would not be crucified. But of course, it didn't end that way, and I wept inconsolably.

Today, even as an adult and a Christian, I no longer weep when I think of the cross, but as I reflect on Jesus's crucifixion, my heart fills with horror and sorrow for what He endured for you and me.The pain, the agony, the shame was more than we can ever imagine. However, I know now that the cross was God's plan of redemption for mankind, and that He, and Jesus, agreed on that plan before the foundation of the world. And so instead of the cross being a symbol of shame, it became a symbol of power and victory.

 Everyday cares and concerns may cause you to feel like you are bearing a cross. When you do, remember the cross. Remember that Jesus bore it all for you. Your sin and mine has been wiped away because of the cross. Jesus could have chosen not to go to the cross, but instead He prayed, "O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt" (Matthew 26: 39). Jesus died on the cross, but death could not overcome Him. In the same way, we who believe in Him  have the victory because of the cross.  Sickness, poverty, death all have to bow to the power of the cross. Halleluiah!

Would you like to know more about the cross and what it means for mankind? I have written a short story that you can read in less than an hour. It's called For God So Loved. It won an honorable mention in a Writer's Digest contest. You can  get it free from now until Monday 3/2/2018. Just click on this link.. You will not only get my book but also your choice of other Christian-themed books for your Easter reading AND a chance to win a $25 gift card. Enter this giveaway now.

God bless