Sinclair Ferguson ends with this question, "There is a huge difference between a sentimental view of the cross-which stirs up a self gratifying feeling of sadness-and a serious view of it-which focuses somberly on Christ. Which view are you?"
If you were to pause and think through your response to the cross and Christ, where would you land. I am sure at first its easy to say, oh the later, of course! But really pause and think through. Do you see Christ and His righteousness as the greatest gift you have ever received, or a trinket that has been given.
As Jesus addresses the women he tells them to weep not for him but for themselves. It is easy to look upon the crucifixion scene and be sad, but it may lead to a misunderstanding. Jesus was paying a debt we could not. He was willingly, He was sent, He drank the cup of wrath intended for us. So often the story of ourselves gets so interwoven that we become co-leads with Jesus. We try to teach of who God is and what His Son has done by starting with "me." Our testimonies are a great celebration of the mercies of God and the truth that we are robbed in His righteousness is remarkable. But, if we, don't understand what that means, we cannot clearly articulate the good news of the gospel to a lost and dying world.
In the sermon attached the pastor quotes a gentleman who says we have 'domesticated' the cross. That resonated deeply. It is true. We have tried to lighten the load of our sins. We have tried to take away its heinousness. But we shouldn't. We should not fear it, it was as the Lord would have it. He could have called 10 thousand angels, but he did not. He drank every last drop and died a comfortless death; as the great comforter poured out His wrath to its full extent. And then, He rose again. The perfect propitiation. The spotless Lamb. The Son of the Great I AM.
May the understanding of the Cross help you reflect on the goodness of our Savior.
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