The Cross

What is the cross? What is it to we Christians?

You can find cross accessories and clothing in just about any form you can imagine. Ball-caps, tee shirts, jewelry, even some sunglasses and such. The cross is a strong symbol for Christianity. It not only displays our Christian faith, but it also shows the love that God had for us, unworthy, humans. The love to send His son, Jesus, to shed His holy blood for us. But, I'm going to show you the cross in a different light --

The cross was used for public executions from the 6th century BC to the 4th century AD (there were other times when it was used, but that is when it was used most). It was used to execute criminals publicly, slowly, and painfully. Our Lord, Jesus Christ, was killed in such a manor, after He had been beaten and whipped. But let's look aside from that fact, momentarily.

The purpose for the cross was to end human life. To execute a living being. When the end purpose is examined, the cross was used in the same light as a guillotine, or even a noose; a tool used to execute people. To make an example.

Today we see people walking around wearing cross necklaces, as if it were a pleasant thing to think on. To someone who knows about the cross itself, but not about Jesus, we would seem a sick people, wouldn't we? It would be no different than walking around with a guillotine pendant around our necks. Or wearing a necklace resembling a hangman's noose.

I'm going to go ahead and clarify my upcoming point: I am NOT against wearing a cross necklace, or any other related apparel.

When we look at a picture of a cross, or see someone else wearing a cross pendant, we shouldn't think "That's a beautiful cross!". We should be reminded that we are bought at a price. That Christ came down and died a death far beyond anything we could imagine. Not just in the aspect of physical pain, but in the spiritual sense as well. He died a horrible, long, anguishing death; and while He was suffering, He could not feel God's presence (Mat. 27:46 & Mar. 15:34).

We (Christians and non-Christians) have really forgotten what the cross truly means. It's not just a reminder of how much Christ suffered for us; it's also a reminder of how much He loves us. ALL of US. He knew what awaited Him. He prayed in the garden of Gethsemane, asking God if there was any other way. And He told His purpose to the disciples, even though they didn't comprehend His words. He KNEW what He would SUFFER. Yet, He still went through with it. Even in the garden when He was asking God for another means, He said "nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt." (Mar. 14:36) He was God in the flesh! He could have summoned angels to His rescue at any time. He knew what was coming, and He knew that He could have stopped it, at any time. But He didn't.

THAT, is what the cross truly is. A reminder of our value, in the eyes of God.

So when you see a cross, don't just glance and then look away. Don't take that symbol for granted. Think about what it really means. Think about what Christ did for us. Think about His suffering. But, close on the thought of the immeasurable love that He has for EVERY ONE OF US.

We, ALL of us, are bought at a price.