The Ugly Beautiful Cross 2



The Ugly Beautiful Cross

The cross of Jesus Christ was ugly splintered wood, spattered with blood, sweat and possibly other body fluids.

Not a pretty sight, but that was not the most horrible part.  Other unseen things happened that affected you and me.

The sins of all mankind were placed on Jesus as he hung on that cross and the sky turned dark with grief causing the most terrible thing to happen!

Because His father God could not stand to look down on this sight of Jesus carrying our guilt and our sin; God turned his back on Jesus!

"Father why have you forsaken me?" cried Jesus.  When his friends and all others ran, Jesus could take that, but not His heavenly father.  That was too much to bear and it broke his heart.

Jesus proclaimed that what He had been sent to do was done.  "It is finished" he cried.  I did it for you (your name here) the thoughts were in his mind and he could see into the future and view all those he was dying for. You and Me!

It was then he died, and the temple curtain that blocked access into the Holy of Holies was torn from the top to the bottom by the finger of God.  Now we can enter boldly into the throne room and cry Abba Father.

That cross reminds me of a horrible death, but I am go glad the story did not end there.

We know that Jesus rose again on the third day, full of life, power, forgiveness and love.

During the next 40 days he proved to his friends and others that He was truly alive.

On the mountain top, He gave instructions and another promise, I will return, but until then I am sending you a Comforter and guide.  The Holy Spirit will abide IN you and He will be WITH you and never leave you.

Praise God we can celebrate Easter!! - - It is Resurrection Day, a Glad and Glorious Day.