The Cross

 At the cross, at the cross

Where I first saw the light,

And the burden of my heart rolled away,

It was there by faith I received my sight,

And now I am happy all the day!

(At The Cross by Isaac Watts)

 

I stopped by Evergreen cemetery today here in Sumter.  In the middle of it is this huge cross.  It's a beautiful reminder of what matters to us Christians.

 

Why does the cross mean so much?

 

Because of the cross, our sins are forgiven.  Jesus took all our sin upon Himself and paid the price for it when He was crucified on a Roman cross years ago.  As He hung up there, He took the punishment for our public and private wrongdoings.  That action put us in a position to receive forgiveness and mercy for all our sin.

 

Because of the cross, our relationship with God is possible.  We sinners become sons and daughters of God because of our Savior's sacrifice at Calvary.  No more would our sin keep us distant from God!  Now that our wrongdoings have been paid for, we can have an eternal connection with Him.  What a blessing it is for us to be able to call Him, "Father"!

 

Because of the cross, our minds and hearts can know Jesus loves us.  Never do we have to wonder if we matter to Him.  The willingness of Jesus to lay down His own life, bleed, suffer, and die in our place is perfect proof of His incredible love for you and me.   

 

Fellow Christians, we have much to be thankful for.  Let's always remember the cross!  It's there where the price is paid, the relationship is enabled, and the love is demonstrated.