Like us, the Israelites became cranky when stressed. While God always hears your prayers, complaining and focusing on the negative is not your best course of action…
Greetings, my dear brothers and sisters in Christ. Today, I wish to dive deep into a theme that is at the very heart of our faith—the cross. Through scripture and experience, we find that the cross isn't merely a symbol but a profound pathway to our redemption and salvation.
Reflections from the Old Testament
In the Old Testament, we journey with the Israelites in the wilderness. These are the very people God delivered from slavery in Egypt through Moses. Yet, in the face of hardship, they questioned God's intentions. Complaints filled the air about the quality of food, a glaring display of impatience with God’s plan.
As humans, we often find ourselves echoing the Israelites' sentiments. When moments of difficulty arise, our faith wavers. The Israelites' rebellion brought a consequence—venomous snakes. When confronted with their mistakes, the Israelites repented, and God, in His mercy, provided them a way to be healed—a serpent on a stick, a precursor to the salvation we find through the cross.
The Wisdom of the Cross
Paul, once a persecutor of believers, underwent a profound transformation and bore witness to the wisdom of the cross. In 1 Corinthians 1:18, he tells us, "The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved, it is the power of God."
The cross, paradoxically seen as a symbol of death, becomes the symbol of life's victory. It teaches us that it’s through God’s wisdom, not human understanding, that we come to know Him.
Jesus Christ: Our Path to Salvation
The familiar verse, John 3:16, often reminds us of God's immense love. However, we must also remember verse 17: "For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn it, but to save it." Christ embodied love, sacrifice, and salvation, showing us the way through His life, death, and resurrection.
Questions for Reflection
This journey compels us to ponder several questions:
- What is your relationship with the cross?
- Who truly is the person hanging on the cross?
- Do you believe in the power of the resurrection?
- Do you have faith in the salvation freely offered when you look upon the cross?
These reflections challenge us to deepen our faith and relationship with Jesus Christ, the Savior.
Conclusion
As I conclude, I urge each of us to embrace the cross as our symbol of salvation. Let our days be filled with the recognition of its significance and the urgency of proclaiming Jesus as Lord and Savior. Indeed, our Lord Jesus Christ came to save us, not condemn us. It's upon us to open our hearts to Him—confessing His sovereignty and embracing the salvation He offers in the name of God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.