What does the symbol of the Cross mean to you? To many people, the Cross is merely an archaic emblem. To others, the Cross invokes feelings of guilt or confusion. Some churches even see it as a hindrance to attracting nonbelievers.

Yet the early believers chose the Cross as their symbol for a special reason. There were many symbols of Jesus’ earthly ministry to represent them. They could have chosen a manger to represent where baby Jesus was born. They could have chosen a boat, from which Jesus taught the crowd in Galilee. They could have chosen an apron, which Jesus wore when He washed the disciples’ feet. They could have chosen a throne or a crown, to represent His divine and sovereign rule.

But instead they chose the Cross that proclaims that the wages of sin are fully paid, and that the perfect sacrifice has been fully offered. Through the Cross we have redemption and life with Christ in heaven. Through the Cross we know that sin has been defeated.

The symbol of the cross did not first appear at the death of Jesus. As early as the book of Genesis, we begin to see the foreshadowing of the cross. From the moment Adam and Eve decided to go their own way from God’s commandments, God began lifting up the Cross. We see it when the blood of an innocent lamb was shed to atone for Adam and Eve’s disobedience. We see the symbol of the Cross when God’s people participated in Passover.

But these animal sacrifices of the Old Testament could never take away sin permanently. Only the pure blood of the Lamb of God can truly purge sin. The animal sacrifices reminded God’s people that sin is a costly offense to a Holy God. And these sacrifices pointed forward to the sacrifice of Christ on the Cross.

Many people are drawn to the magnanimous love of God, but they hesitate to acknowledge the righteousness and holiness of God. Righteousness demands that sin be punished. For God’s justice to prevail, sin and rebellion against God must be dealt with. Since the only covering for sin is the shedding of innocent blood, God shed His own blood–the most innocent blood of all.

Because God shed His own blood, we can find forgiveness of sins, relief from guilt, peace with God and eternal life in heaven.

The entire plan of God, from Genesis to Revelation, is built on the Cross. When that first innocent lamb’s blood was shed for Adam and Eve, they understood the enormity of their disobedience. They understood that God’s justice must be met.

How do you view the Cross? How do you allow the Cross to impact your life, to motivate you, to inspire you? How often do you thank God for the Cross? Stop and thank God right now for His ultimate sacrifice on the Cross. (By Michael Youssef)

Then it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God led them not through the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, “Lest peradventure the people repent when they see war, and they return to Egypt.
Exodus 13:17

A quick glance at a map of the Mediterranean world shows the proximity of Egypt to the Promised Land. It should have taken only a few days for Moses and the Israelites to walk around the southeast corner of the Mediterranean Sea to Canaan. But Moses led the people into the Sinai desert so they would not encounter the warlike Philistines and flee back to slavery in Egypt. The Israelites complained, not knowing that being alive at the hand of Moses was better than being dead at the hand of the Philistines.

How many times do we complain about life’s circumstances without knowing what’s going on behind the scenes? God’s hand of mercy and grace is at work, protecting us and guiding our steps more times than we are aware. Our response ought to be, “Lord, thank you for this delay” instead of, “Lord, why are you allowing me to be inconvenienced?”

Make it a habit to thank God for His providential protection–the shield of His faithfulness that surrounds you moment-by-moment.(Turning Point)

God has His hours and His delays.
J. A. Bengel

Blessing, and honor, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever – Revelation 5:13b

Listen to yourself. This is you, being quoted by the apostle John, as he views the final judgment of the world and the triumphant return of Jesus Christ.

At that time, every part of His creation will bow their knees (some voluntarily  and joyfully, some involuntarily and reluctantly) and be made—by the irrepressible, undeniable glory of Jesus Christ—to declare His worthiness for all worship. No one will be able to deny His sovereign majesty in that day.

When Christ returns, you will ascribe to Him honor and glory. You will publicly recognize that all power comes from Him and so all power should be spent for Him. You will proclaim His eternal merit. 

Are you living that way now? Are you honoring Him in your relationships, at your workplace, and in your private thoughts and plans? Do you see that all the strength you have—financially, emotionally, physically—comes from Christ and so it is only right that you should use it all to His glory?

If you will one day be singing the praises of Jesus Christ and heralding His infinite worthiness, why not begin doing it now? Listen to yourself! ( From “A Good Thing”)