THE SHADOW OF THE CROSS
Luke 23:33 – 47
We often sing, “To be like Jesus”, but do we really think about what that means? It is only as we look at Jesus, considering His character, that we can understand what our life should be. And we never see Him better than when we consider Him on the cross. That will change us (Heb. 12:2-3). In light of the text and in reference to this subject J. H. Jowett wrote:
Look at our Lord in relation to His foes. “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do!” Their bitterness has not embittered Him. The “milk of human kindness” was still sweet. Nothing could sour our Lord, and convert His goodwill into malice, His serene beneficence into wild revenge. And how is it with me? Are my foes able to maim my spirit as well as my body? Do they win their end by making me a smaller man? Or am I magnanimous even on the cross?
And look at our Lord in relation to the penitent thief. “To-day shalt thou be with Me in Paradise.” There was no self-centredness in our Saviour’s grief. He was the good Physician, even when His body was mangled on the cross. He healed a broken heart even in the very pangs of death. When “there was darkness over all the earth,” He let the light of the morning into the heart of a desolate thief. And, good Lord, graciously help me to do likewise!
And all this amazing graciousness is explained in our Lord’s relation to His Father. “Father, into Thy hands I commend My spirit!” Yes, everything is there! When I and My Father are one, my spirit will remain sweet as the violet and pure as the dew.
David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346
