The gift of the cross

The gift of the cross

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This week I received the gift of a small wooden cross at Bible study. Dolores brought one for each of us saying, “My daughter bought these and said to share them.”

We passed around the plain white envelope containing the handcrafted items. Each person smiled when it was her turn to receive. “My daughter said to leave these on benches and on restaurant tables and anywhere else that someone might find them because everyone needs Jesus,” Dolores added.

The present reminds me how selfless Jesus is. Though he could have commanded more than 50,000 angels to rescue him from the cross, he chose to stay.

“Do you think I cannot call on my father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels?” (Matthew 26:53 NIV). Jesus said this in Gethsemane to stop a disciple from fighting with a sword as Judas led a large crowd to arrest Jesus.

Sacrifice isn’t comfortable. Why did Jesus do what he did? Wasn’t there an easier way?

No.

A just God requires consequences for evil. Every lie I’ve said. Every item taken without permission. Every thought of rage and ill will to harm another. Jesus absorbed the cost of all my misdeeds.

“This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters” (1 John 3:16 NIV).

Dear Jesus, thank you for making it possible for me to be with you in heaven. I am sorry for all the wrongs I have committed. I am humbled by the beauty of your gift. You gave all. Help me to live a resurrected life worthy of your sacrifice. Please help me to love others more. Amen.

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