Looking to the Cross

What do we think and see in the cross of Christ Jesus? Yes, we’ve all seen the man-made iconic view of Christ hanging; head down; arms extended; hands nailed; with feet again nailed and crossed at the bottom of that wretched tree. As often depicted, His cross is set slightly higher and between two thieves. Both sinners reviled Him, but then one changed his attitude. Why? What quickened him? Who? The Father? Well, that is something I hope to learn one day in glory. However, I wouldn’t doubt that God willed that man’s turn at that precise moment as a foretaste to His Son of all who were among the called and would follow. It was a foretaste; unlike the vinegar and gall that the centurions and we so often raise, that only a loving Father could give to a Son who was about to suffer complete abandonment in His wrath. Of course, I’m not suggesting that Jesus didn’t know that others; called of His Father, wouldn’t come. It’s just that I believe that God understood His Son’s humanity, and that ‘knowing’ a thing and ‘experiencing’ are two separate matters. At that point on the cross, Jesus experienced a sinner’s belief and turn from reviling to faith and expectation. Yes, I have no doubt that Jesus saw all of those Whom He died for… you and me… as He hung there outside Jerusalem, but here, beside Him, was the first of many… really.

As I consider the cross, I also sensed that Jesus represented an eternal portal. Yes, His arms were spread; inviting all, but we tend to think of ‘all’ as those who come to believe. Why is that? Are we not told that every knee shall bow and tongue will confess Him as Lord? King of Kings? Again, considering the two thieves, we understand that one was on his right hand side; the other on the left. Doesn’t that bring to mind Christ’s judgment as spoken of in Matthew 25? Those who stand before Him are either on the right or left; as sheep or goats, all to learn whether, as the thief, they were known and given entrance into heaven.

It’s absolutely amazing to me when I consider the holiness of God how the cross demonstrates the perfections of His attributes and Being: infinite and balanced; the vertical and horizontal planks ever extending far beyond human sight; where His Son ascended and would someday return. Yes, and as for what more we might observe of God’s holiness and His attributes revealed through the scaffold of the cross?  That to each man either mercy or justice is rendered. I pray that some who read this will stop reviling and turn to see the tender mercy of God as expressed through His Beloved Son.