WATCHWORD:
23 So when we preach that Christ was crucified, the Jews are offended and the Gentiles say it’s all nonsense. 24 But to those called by God to salvation, both Jews and Gentiles, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 This foolish plan of God is wiser than the wisest of human plans, and God’s weakness is stronger than the greatest of human strength. 1 Corinthians 1:23-30
So Jesus said, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man on the cross, then you will understand that I am he. I do nothing on my own but say only what the Father taught me. John 8:28
Meditation:
Wearing the Cross
Do you wear a cross? I wear one all the time. A dear friend got it for me at the Shrine of Christ’s Passion in Saint John, Indiana. The Shrine is a multi-media, interactive complex featuring a quality Christian gift shop and an amazing and realistic portrayal of the Via Dolorosa (sorrowful way), the processional route in the old city of Jerusalem, often referred to as the route that Jesus was forced to take to Calvary and His crucifixion.
The Prayer Trail is about half mile long, carved out of the hillside and fields and includes 14 separate stations of the cross; 40 life-sized bronze sculptures, vividly telling the story of the last days of Christ. “As you walk the dusty street that Jesus trod”, you hear the narrative of what is happening with Jesus at each station, and by the time you reach the tomb, your mind has taken you back to that very moment and, as you look into the tomb, you have a spiritual moment of clarity of what our Lord has gone through for you, for us.
The crucifixion and the resurrection is what defines our faith. The cross is what clarifies and represents everything. Without the cross, not much makes sense. Jesus told the jews, When you have lifted up the Son of Man on the cross, then you will understand, and they would know who Jesus is.
To those hearing Jesus’ words, whether pharisee, or loyal follower, it made no sense at the time. What did Jesus mean to be lifted up? What is He talking about? They can’t figure out how that fits with the Messiah they have in mind. It made no sense. And Jesus tells them it will not make sense until the other side of the crucifixion — which is where we stand. It is then and only then could they see and know the truth. The truth? Yes, as Apostle Paul has said, the truth is that no one can come to know Jesus apart from knowing Him as the crucified.
Why do we wear the cross? That’s the reason. Are we sometimes shy about displaying the cross? Tuck it into our shirt or wear it only on ‘special occasions’. In point of fact, we should be celebrating it at all times. It’s not jewelry, it’s not a costume medallion, it’s a statement of whose we are. We are children of God. Let the world know. Amen.
Today’s Verse in Song:
Tell me the story of Jesus.
Write on my heart every word.
Tell me the story most precious,
sweetest that ever was heard.
— Fanny Crosby
Today’s Prayer:
Heavenly Father, open my heart to understand what was accomplished through the cross. Grant me deep understanding of Jesus that is more real than any discouragement or disappointment or any superficial dressing that society may place on it. Thank You for Your grace, mercy, and forgiveness in my life. I choose to live under the influence of the cross and Your purpose. Help me see the opportunities around me that I might bring honor and glory to the name of Jesus. It’s in His name that I put my trust. It’s in the name of Jesus, and Him crucified, that I pray. Amen.
Shrine of Christ’s Passion:
Visit the Shrine — Take Highway 30 west from Warsaw to Highway 42, then south three miles to the Shrine in Saint John. The drive will take two hours and 15 minutes. Your experience, at the Shrine will be more than worth it and you’ll come away with a deeper understanding of the Lenten season and what Christ went through for us. You’ll marvel at the Christian gift shop, and maybe, like me, you’ll pick up a coffee cup that carries a scripture passage, or perhaps a shirt the declares to all the world that you belong to Jesus. If you have the time, stop for dinner at Tiebels Restaurant, at the intersection of Highways 42 and 30. Your trip will be a 5-star experience. Stan Escott
