Straight Thinking 110567 the Cross, the Christ, and You
Straight Thinking
110567
THE CROSS, THE CHRIST, AND YOU
Sunday. Jesus was not the only one that ever died on a cross. In times of war, the Romans crucified hundreds of captives simultaneously. By this means they frequently destroyed criminals and slaves that committed major offenses. Jesus was not the only one that died on a cross, but he was the only one that died that way intentionally. (Read Luke 23:34; John 10:17-18.)
Monday. The cross has become an ornament of beauty, but the “old rugged cross” of Calvary was an ornament of shame and agony. There is nothing pretty about a man bleeding to death while convulsing in pain. The best man that ever lived died the worst death ever known. Why? To conquer sin and demonstrate how bad it is. (Read Mark 14:32-36; 15:25.)
Tuesday. Victims of crucifixion usually did not die for at least thirty-six hours; Jesus was on the cross only about six hours. The blood and water that came from his side indicate that he died from “extreme mental agony and sorrow” rather than just from thirst, infection, bleeding, and exhaustion. People’s sins literally broke his heart. (Read Mark 15:25; Luke 23:44-46; John 19:34.)
Wednesday. In A. D. 70, the Roman army under Titus destroyed Jerusalem. Josephus, a first-century Jewish historian, tells about the countless crucifixions of Jews at that time, many of the same people that had rejected Jesus earlier. Unlike all these people, Jesus was a perfectly good man, but he died for sins—not his, but ours. What else does he need to do to prove he loves us? What have you done to prove your love for him? (Read Luke 14:27; Matthew 10:24-33.)
Thursday. Would you suffer like Jesus suffered? If not, you are no follower of him. That’s a hard fact. Christianity is not an easy way to get to heaven, but it is the only way to get there. As a servant of Jesus, we are not better than our Master. We too must be serious about our heavenly Father’s business. (Read 14:27; Matthew 10:24-33.).
Friday. People usually have enough respect not to laugh at someone that’s dying, even if he deserves to die; but the Roman soldiers and Jewish religious leaders, and fellow victims made fun of Jesus. Friends and relatives usually gather close to a loved one, but Jesus’ disciples stood afar off. Even God seemed far away. Remember the crucifixion scene the next time people laugh at you while you stand for Jesus all by yourself. (Read Matthew 27:39-46.)
Saturday. “Come down from the cross!” was the taunt thrown at Jesus by the hypocritical high priests. But the Great Physician refused to heal himself because his death was necessary for fulfilling God’s plan. We also have a responsibility to God, so let’s not allow the jeers of ignorant people drive us from it. (Read Mark 15:31; Luke 12:50; 23:34.)
Virgil Warren, Straight, November 5, 1967, p7 christir.org