The Cross, Yes, But…

We all seem to have some sort of obsession with death.  Either we worry about it or we go about life defying it or trying to forget it.  Of course, then there is the constant:  death and taxes.  At my age, the mail you get is either for hearing aids or cremation.  How’s that for exciting?

Even in church we always hear:  “Jesus died for you!”  No argument here, but is that what we want to continually emphasize?  Certainly He came on a mission and only He could pay what we owe – which He did out of love.  For that we must be eternally grateful.  BUT…

Look around you and you will notice a cross.  People have crosses on their walls; you’ll see them on the roadside where a loved one died.  Because the Cross is associated with death.  People wear a cross around their neck.  It’s become a piece of jewelry, or a key chain or a bookmark or a bumper sticker.  I understand it’s a symbol and a reminder.  BUT…

That’s only part of the story.  Yes, Jesus died.  But, He also was RAISED to life again.  Would His death have had the impact had He not been raised to new life?  He is referred to as the “firstfruits” (1 Corinthians 15:23) and how can that be when Lazarus and Jairus’ daughter were also raised?  Because He is the only One up to that point who never died again.  Paul wrote about it in Romans 6:9 “knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, is never to die again.”  In Peter’s sermon at Pentecost, he proclaimed, “This Jesus God raised up again, to which we are all witnesses.”  (Acts 2:32).

When Jesus came back to life, it pictured the eternal life that awaits those who believe in Him and in His sacrifice.  No one wears a necklace with an empty tomb, but it’s why we celebrate Easter.  And, no Easter candy is sweeter than that.  Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

 

“For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ DIED for our sins according to the Scriptures and that He was BURIED and that He was RAISED on the third day according to the Scriptures.”  (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)

 

7 Comments

  1. Donna

    SWEET indeed is new life in Christ!! Help me walk each day in newness of life which was bought at such a high price. Hallelujah! Jesus is alive!!! Eternal life-immeasurable gift🙌
    I’m eternally grateful for such a Savior.

  2. Cathy

    Amen! Hallelujah! Death could not hold Him! He is risen!!!❤️🙌🙌🙌❤️

  3. Larry

    Amen! He is risen never to die again! Us too!

  4. Sharon Elliott

    Christ has risen We will rise too.

  5. Linda Dircks

    And in His action He gave us new life! Thank you, Jesus! Hallelujah!

  6. Marilin

    Christ is risen! God bless you a you celebrate His resurrection this Easter. (And every day!)

  7. MarthaEmmons

    He is risen in deed. Thank you God.

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