The One At The Cross

Symbols represent reality. From the Apple logo to a red street light, when we see things like this we know what they mean. It is not the symbols themselves that have meaning but what they represent that make them important. It's the reason why we recognize them. Religion is no different and Christianity, espeically, is one that is full of symbols. The most important, of course, is the cross. We wear it on chains around our necks, plaster it across bilboards, print it on t-shirts and commemorate it on Good Friday. But what if it is more than just a fancy addition to decorate the walls of our houses. How many of us realize just how historic the event that happened there was? It is the turning point of history and yet sometimes it somehow gets lost in the grand scheme of our faith. Yesterday as I literally sat at the foot of the cross with my teammates we took the time to pray. We brought our hearts, and all that was on them, to the Father. We prayed for our families, our friends, our squadmates, and our ministry contacts. We declared freedom, healing, rest, and wisdom over those we know and love. This is what the cross is all about. It is where all of our problems and praises belong. It is where Jesus, through his death, takes them and redeems them and, in the process, takes and redeems us. The only problem is that we have to be wiling to come and (pay attention to this part!) stay there. We have to be willing to die to ourselves because this is how we gain life. As I close, I want to share these words from one of my favorite hymns. May it be a reminder of what He has done for us and exactly how much we owe to him.

At The Cross written in 1707 by Issac Watts

1. Alas! And did my Savior bleed and did my Sov’reign die?
2. Would He devote that sacred head for such a worm as I?

1. Thy body slain, sweet Jesus, thine – and bathed in its own blood –
2. While the firm mark of wrath divine, His soul in anguish stood.

1. Was it for crimes that I had done He groaned upon the tree?
2. Amazing pity! Grace unknown! And love beyond degree!

1. Well might the sun in darkness hide and shut his glories in,
2. When Christ, the mighty Maker died, for man the creature’s sin.

1. Thus might I hide my blushing face while His dear cross appears,
2. Dissolve my heart in thankfulness, and melt my eyes to tears.

1. But drops of grief can ne’er repay the debt of love I owe:

1. At the cross, at the cross where I first saw the light, and the burden of my heart rolled away,
2. It was there by faith I received my sight, and now I am happy all the day!