WHAT IS THE ATTRACTION OF THE CROSS?

BIBLE PASSAGE:
He told them, “This is what is written: 
The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day,” 
(Luke 24:46)

MEDITATION:
Crucifixion is a method of capital punishment where the victim 
is tied or nailed to a large wooden beam and left to hang for several days, 
until they eventually die from exhaustion and asphyxiation.
Crucifixion was usually intended to provide a death 
that was particularly slow, painful, gruesome, humiliating, and public.
Victims were sometimes left on display after death 
as a warning to any other potential criminals.

What was the power and influence that changed the cross from an instrument 
of bloody torture, into the most glorious and beloved of all symbols? 
The Romans crucified thousands of people before and after Calvary. 
If Jesus had not risen from the dead, 
no right-minded person would have glorified something 
so hideous and repulsive as a cross, stained with the blood of Jesus. 
By the miracle of His rising from the grave, 
Jesus placed the seal of assurance on the forgiveness of our sins.

A dead Christ could not have been our Savior. 
An unopened grave would never have opened our opportunity for heaven. 
By bursting the chains of the tomb, 
Jesus proved Himself to all ages as the conqueror of sin. 
The sacrifice on Calvary had fulfilled its purpose; 
the ransom price paid for our sins had been accepted by God. 
Hallelujah, what a Savior!

ACTION:
Whenever you see the symbol of the cross, 
be reminded of the tortuous death of Jesus for your sins.
If He had not willingly, lovingly and sacrificially died for your sins,
what hope would you have at the end of your earthly journey?

Try to imagine a world where Jesus is never discussed, 
praised, worshipped, or recognized as the Savior.
There are many today who refuse to acknowledge Him 
and what He did for all mankind.

There are others who claim to be followers of Jesus, 
but only as long as He fits into their lifestyle.
They draw the line at obeying His commands, 
if they conflict with their own desires and established lifestyles.

Pray,
“Lord Jesus, each time I see the cross, remind me of Your undeniable act
of love, Your suffering and Your victory over death that gives me a hope 
for eternity. Without Your sacrifice, I would live in a world of darkness 
and doom. However, because of what You did, I can live with optimism 
and faith of a life after death. Because of You, my final breath will not be 
the end, but the beginning of a new, glorious and wonderful life. I will 
always be grateful for what You did for me. Help me to show others my 
love and appreciation for You by my actions, words, praise and obedience.”