Week 7 - Day 6 - The Power Of The Cross
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The Cross Removes Division To Bring Unity In Christ
Scripture Passage:
“But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity.” (Ephesians 2:13-16, NKJV)
Reflection:
Many of you, like me, would have felt awkward and judged in church. I wonder how much of that was because of our own insecurities and pride.
One of the biggest repellents of people from the church is this notion that you must know as much as possible to stand with those who have been going to church all of their lives.
But does a lifetime of attending church make you a perfect Christian? Clearly the answer is no. Some of the most un Christ like behaviour I have ever witnessed has come from life long/church going Christians.
The Bible is filled with wonderful examples and parables from Jesus Himself that clearly illustrate the power of love through repentance and the acceptance of others, even the late arrivals. See the parable of the vineyard workers in Matthew 20:1-16.
The life of Jesus exemplified the power of love and acceptance when we look at who He spent most of His time with. His self sacrifice on the cross out of love for us all clearly makes the cross of Christ the eraser of spiritual pride and the great equaliser of all men and women.
It’s the reason why the sign that greets all visitors to our farm reads “NO JUDGEMENT BEYOND THIS POINT.”
The cross removes the division between pride and humility.
As we ponder the Power Of The Cross let’s consider the following questions.
- Redemption and Reconciliation: How does the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross bridge the gap between humanity and God, bringing reconciliation and peace? (Ephesians 2:13-16)
- Freedom from the Law: In what ways does the cross represent the end of the old covenant and the beginning of a new covenant of grace? (Galatians 3:13-14)
- Identity in Christ: As believers in Jesus, how does our identification with His death and resurrection on the cross shape our understanding of who we are and how we relate to God? (Romans 6:6-8)
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, Papa God.
Thank you for the cross of Jesus Christ, which serves as the equaliser of all who believe in You, marking the fulfilment of Your plan for redemption and reconciliation. Help us to grasp the significance of Your sacrifice and to live in the freedom and grace that it provides. May we find our identity in You and walk in the power of Your resurrection with confidence regardless of all knowledge but in the simplicity that is a relationship with You. In Jesus’s name we pray, Amen.
Graham Hood
