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Dripping Springs Weekly Bulletins
Lessons Learned at the Cross
Some events are more important than others. Some events have more impact on the world than others. At the center, or hub of God’s Word is an event with the single most significance of any and all events: The Cross of Christ. The event itself, and the consequences of that event are so far-reaching that it has to be the most significant event in history, and especially in the account of man and his soul. All other events revolve around it.
But it is not just an event in history with great significance, but an event having eternal significance. The “Cross” has come to represent the entirety of Jesus’ gift to man. Are there lessons for all to learn?
1. God is mindful of me. David the psalmist said it well:
“What is man, that thou art mindful
of him? and the son of man, that
thou visitest him?” Psalms 8:4
It would be easy to view God as an impersonal being, merely keeping His creation in working order. But not so, for Jehovah had our redemption in mind from before the foundation of the world, Ephesians 3:8-11. Jesus paid the price for our sins on that cruel cross, and in so doing God cast His attentive “eye” on man showing He still cares for you and for me in spite of our sin.
2. Crucifixion is painful, cruel.
It is far too easy for us to forget the humiliation, the suffering, the pain of the Cross. Think of the huge spikes that pierced his feet and hands. Think of the scourge, and the shame of being publicly spat upon. Think of that spear in His side. Not only that, but He bore our sins in His body on that Cross. He suffered so we might be redeemed, be forgiven for our sin.
3. Jesus loves me.
He did not have to go to the cross, but He did. He had no sin of His own, but He bore our sins in His body, 1 Peter 2:24. He could have called for the aid of angels, and He knew what was ahead of Him. But He willingly went to the Cross for me…and for you.
4. Sin is terrible.
Scripture is clear on the fact that Jesus bore our sins, and “by His stripes we are healed,” Isaiah 53:5, 1 Peter 2:24. What was the “ransom” price for my sin and yours? It was the highest price ever paid for anything or anyone — “the precious blood of Christ,” 1 Peter 1:19. Yes, sin is a terrible thing, for it separates us from God, and it cost God His son.
5. Jesus’ sermon on the Cross.
No, Jesus did not stand and preach on Golgotha. But He left indelible impressions on a Roman centurion, at least one thief, an apostle, and with words of anguish, salvation, forgiveness, contentment and affection, He preached what all mankind still needs. Those lessons will always be up-to-date. He stated those words while in the most stressful of conditions, but He proved His deity and His character.
6. I’m worth something.
The worth of an object is usually determined by its market value. If my worth were determined by merely utilitarian means, I and many of us would not appear to be very valuable to God. But the price God paid for us indicates He places tremendous worth upon my soul and yours. We already know the cost of our redemption was “the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot,” 1 Peter 1:18-19.
Most of us would not be willing to give our son or daughter for those whose lives were so filled with sin. But in Romans 5:6-8 we are told,
“Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
I must be worth a lot to God. He paid a high price for me.
7. A lesson on grace.
Is this not what we have been learning all through these thoughts? We can never do enough to merit or earn the blessings gained at the Cross. God did it because He loved us, and Jesus did it because we needed it. How humbling it is to comprehend the wonderful gift that is ours. And how simple is our response to that grace, that love:
“If ye love me, keep my commandments,” John 14:15.
If we can’t learn the lesson of humility at the Cross, we won’t learn it anywhere. The lessons are all there for us to learn and to grow from them.
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They crucified my Lord and God,and pierced His gentle heart;
And though it happened long ago,
I know I played a part.
My very pride and passion,
my selfishness and greed;
Contributed the nails that caused
His hands and feet to bleed.
Each sinful deed became a thorn
upon the crown He wore;
And every cruel word I said
increased the rabble’s roar.
I made Him walk and stumble
on His way to Calvary;
And there I raised Him on a cross,
for all the world to see.
And there in agony He died,
That we might live anew;
In His divine forgiving words,
“They know not what they do.”
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Christianity is a Crutch?
I have not heard this expression for a long time, but it has been leveled at God’s children to suggest that only the weak need Christ and the church. Those who think they are strong physically and emotionally are asked to reconsider that statement as they peruse the following reminders:
Early Christians were beaten for their faith, but they rejoiced instead of whining (Acts 5:40-41). That took courage, not a crutch!
Stephen was stoned to death (Acts 7:40-41). That took courage, not a crutch!
Believers were persecuted for their faith (Acts 8:1-4). That took courage, not a crutch!
Paul preached Christ, risking his life (Acts 9:22-24). That took courage, not a crutch!
And Christians today risk life and limb, jobs and security, humiliation and happiness to preach the word, travel to dangerous countries, moving through hostile people and exposing themselves to danger, disease and heartbreak.
No! Faithful Christians are not leaning on a crutch! They are wielding the “sword of the Spirit” in the face of the enemy. Christians are the light of the world and the salt of the earth. The devil made up the crutch thing!
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