Why is the cross so important? As time passes, we forget how important the cross is. What really happened on that cross that should bring us to our knees? Everything goes back to the cross. Why? Because that's where God shows us how much he loves us. Jesus was fully human and fully God. What a combination. He needed to eat and sleep because he was human but is also part of the Holy Trinity. He is the son God gave us to show us His love.
Jesus never talked like other preachers. Why? Because He was sent by his Father to share His love with us. In the old testament, God did miracles through prophets like Elijah and people like Moses, but he could not save us from the dark side of the world until Jesus came. God wants to live an eternal life with us. The ones that love Him, trust and believe in Him. That wouldn't have happened without Jesus dying on the cross for our sins.
Jesus went willingly to the cross for us. He knew what was going to happen. He knew because God showed him what He would go through, and He was sweating blood because of it. He went willingly and fully, knowing He would take on all the world's sins. Even our sin two thousand years later.
Crosses today show Jesus with maybe some scrapes and bruises on Him. But it wasn't like that. It says in Isaiah 52:14 Just as there were many who were appalled at him— his appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any human being and his form marred beyond human likeness—
It took me a long time to realize that not acknowledging what Jesus did for us is like saying, "Don't worry about me, Lord. I'll carry my own cross." Jesus did it willingly, like a lamb to the slaughter. By NOT acknowledging it, we tell Jesus that what he did wasn't enough. We have to do it on our own too. He's a gentleman and will step aside and let you try, but it won't get you where you want to go.
It's a true gift that He has freely given us; all we have to do to receive it is to accept Jesus Christ into our hearts as our Lord and Savior, and then we ask God to forgive our sins. Why ask for forgiveness? 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. He wants us to forgive each other and ourselves for things we have done wrong, knowingly and unknowingly. It says in Matthew 6:14-15 For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
When Jesus died on the cross, He gave us grace, and we all want God's grace and his peace in our lives, but there's only one way to get it. By humbling ourselves at the foot of the cross, give thanks to God for everything he does for us, forgive others for the wrong they may have done to us, and forgive ourselves for wrong choices we have made. Receive God's love and then share it with others. God knows our hearts, and it's something we cannot fake. Stop holding on to any thought that you aren't good enough to receive it. You are allowing darkness to feed you the wrong information. You are good and clean enough because Jesus has made it so by dying on the cross for you.
Don't let unforgiveness stand in your way of eternal life. Remember forgiving isn't for the person who has wronged you; it's for you. By forgiving, we allow God to come and heal our hearts, our broken pieces and make them whole again. It says in Matthew 18:21-22 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?" Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.
It's worth forgiving to receive God's love and peace. It says in John 14: 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not be afraid. There are still people I wish I could ask for their forgiveness. I may not be able to ask every person, but I can tell God. He has healed my hurt and forgiven me much. He's a loving God, or he wouldn't have sent Jesus to save us. Let's not let him die in vain. Peace be with you.
Let's Pray:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for sending your son to give his life to save ours. Thank you for the love you give us daily, and in every way, you bless our lives. May we forgive those who have hurt us and forgive ourselves for our wrongdoings in this life. With you, Lord, we are stronger, kinder, more loving, and at peace in this world. Thank you for your kindness and genuine love for us. In Jesus' Holy name, we pray. Amen
Photo by Tom Clark
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