When you look at the cross, what do you see? Do you see the pain and suffering of Jesus Christ or do you see His Glory displayed there? At any point, Jesus could have said, “no”. As Sovereign Lord, He could have; but, instead He chose to willingly accept all the pain, rejection, and the humility of the cross. He did so to provide a means of salvation for you and me. When Judas came with the soldiers to capture Him, He went out to meet them. He did not wait for them to take Him. Instead, He went to them and asked, “Whom seek ye?” (John 18:4). As they answered Him, “Jesus of Nazareth”, He replied, “I AM He” (John 18:5). The Great I AM stood before them, ready to go the cross, the Glory of God shone forth.
Hearing these words, they step backwards, falling on their backs (John 18:6). His Divine Power and Glory shone forth, such that they fell. He could have overtaken them. Furthermore, He could have called a legion of angels to defend Him; but, He did not. Willingly, He stepped forward; allowing them to bind Him and take Him to trial. Six trials later, Pilate declared Him innocent; yet, He was beaten, spat upon, and nailed to a cruel cross. He remained in control, even of His cruel death upon that cross. Choosing the moment and the time of His own death. As He proclaimed to Pilate, “Thou couldst have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above” (John 19:11). “To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth” (John 18:37).
The Glory of God Displayed on the Cross
From the cross, He did not curse those who sent Him there. Instead, while experiencing the horrific pain, with blood pouring from His wounds and His bones being torn apart, He said, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). His love, compassion, and Glory shone forth as He told the thief dying beside Him, “Verily I say unto thee, today shalt thou be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43). And also, when He looked with such love and compassion for His mother, whom He knew was suffering. Then, as He took upon His shoulders all the sin of the world, the midday sky grew black. The Father and the Holy Spirit left Him; because, perfect righteousness could not look upon Him when He bore our sin and shame. Alone, abandoned; He willingly gave His life, so that you and I could be saved.
The veil ripped in two from top to bottom. No longer did the veil separate man from God’s presence. Never again, would there need to be a human priest to stand between God and man, for the Great High Priest had arrived. “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him” (2 Corinthians 5:21). He bore on that cross all my sins and failures. Furthermore, He clothed me with His righteousness, so that when the Father looks upon me, He sees the blood of Christ. Not only for me; but, for everyone who will accept His Gift of salvation through faith in His completed work on the cross. Jesus proclaimed, “it is finished” (John 19:30). Every detail foretold in the Scripture of the sacrificial Lamb of God finished.
The Glorious King Upon the Cross
The work of redemption finished on the cross; because, our Sovereign Lord willingly died. But that is not the end of the story, on the third day; He rose from the grave. Conquering death, He lives to offer us life eternal in His presence and to share in His Glory. He is the conquering King. Beyond that, He joins with us in our suffering. He feels our pains along side us, understanding with full compassion and empathy for every tear we shed. Promising to be our joy, our hope and our strength through every trial we face. Won’t you come to the cross, today?
DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR?
If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. Because there is nothing more important than this, I urge you to seek Him today.
OR ARE YOU IN OF NEED PRAYER?
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JUST RELEASED
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Recently released Books Available
ABIDING, STEADFAST JOY
A labor of love, this book provides you with 3 foundations of truth from the scripture which once known will provide you with abiding, steadfast joy. Undaunted by the storms of life; your joy will overflow.
WHEN INJUSTICE AND VIOLENCE REIGN:
Through a study of Nahum, Habukkuk, and Zephaniah; I brought their message into our modern times. Answering the questions of “Why, God?”
Providing a foundation of faith and hope; even, as we see so much evil in the world and in our nation. With so much sorrow and despair, this book I wrote to guide you into discovering God’s Perfect Plan of love; amid this chaotic world filled with life’s storms.
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OTHER RESOURCES AVAILABLE
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©Effie Darlene Barba, 2017
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
CREDITS
Drawing used by permission RoninRon’s Custom Art