The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God.
1 Corinthians 1:18 NLT

May I ask, “What does the Cross of Christ mean to you?” Has the meaning of the Cross changed for you as you grew in your understanding of who Jesus is and who you are in him?

To be honest, as a baby Christian, I used to cringe at the thought of the Cross and the terrifying scene that took place there.  I couldn’t understand why to pray the blood of Christ, that he shed there, to cover someone as protection.

Then, as I was studying, I heard that I was to learn to love the Cross.  That meant that I needed to understand what happened there and why it is so very important for me personally.

I now understand that what happened on the Cross to Jesus is Father God’s ultimate proof of his love for us. John 3:16 says, “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” Even though God had created us in his image and likeness, as a result of our disobedience, we were all headed to eternal separation from him and our purpose for life, which is being in a loving relationship with our heavenly Father.

The Cross created a turning point in history for humankind.  From the moment Jesus paid the price for our sin, by taking it upon himself and dying in our place, a new door in eternity was opened, the door of restoration.  Those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God and choose him to be their Lord will be restored to their rightful place in Christ.

When Jesus said, “It is finished.” Satan, our enemy who is out to kill, steal and destroy us, was defeated. (John 19:30) The war against humankind was won for us, so that anyone who belongs to Jesus and prays in his name, has authority over the devil and his demons.  We say, “Go!” and they must obey.

Until the Cross, those worshiping Yahweh had to work hard, obey hundreds of rules, to be in right relationship with God, and then only temporarily.  Now, we who belong to Jesus are totally new creations by grace, undeserved merit earned for us by Jesus on the Cross. We never need to fear condemnation or that God will stop loving us. (2 Cor.5:17; Eph.2:5; Rom.8:1,38)

At the Cross, we come to participate in the “Great Exchange”.  We surrender our sin for Christ’s righteousness, our curses for his blessings, our sickness and brokenness for healing and wholeness, our fear for his confident love, and so much more. 

The Cross is the doorway to Heaven. Through Christ, and being covered in his righteousness, we are welcome to come boldly and confidently into God’s presence to receive the grace and mercy we need. (Heb.4:16) There we receive our inheritance as children of God, his peace and joy!

Dear friends, be blessed as you choose to love the Cross of Christ.  Come to it to surrender every burden and receive rest, peace, love and joy.  If you belong to Jesus, you are being restored because of his sacrifice there.  Rejoice and celebrate this good news this Easter! Amen.

Mary Sumner ~March 21, 2023

 “Who is this man?” they asked each other. “When he gives a command, even the wind and waves obey him!” ~ Luke 8:25 NLT

In this church season of Lent, many of us are preparing our hearts for Easter, trying to understand its deeper meaning and the God who would sacrifice himself for us. 

In Luke 8 the disciples thought they knew their rabbi Jesus of Nazareth.  After all they had seen him heal, perform miracles and even raise a widow’s dead son.  Then they took a boat ride while Jesus napped. Unexpectedly a fierce storm came up and there was a real danger of them drowning. They managed to wake up the exhausted Jesus. He rebuked the wind and the waves, and “Suddenly the storm stopped and all was calm.” (Lk.8:24)

The disciples’ response was one of shock, even fear.  They thought they knew Jesus, but “Who is this man?” they ask. “Even the wind and waves obey him.”

Has there been a time when you thought you knew who Jesus was, but then he intervenes in your life and shows himself to be more than you expected?  Perhaps he is more powerful, more compassionate and merciful, more present and involved in your daily life than you knew?  We all may have tried to put Jesus in a “box”, and store it away until we think we need him.

Then, perhaps, you read Bible verses like Ephesians 1:21,22 about Jesus.
Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else—not only in this world but also in the world to come.  God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made him head over all things for the benefit of the church (That’s us.).

Notice Father God has given him authority and power over all things everywhere and in every time. Stop and ponder what that means for you today. What is too big, too much, for Jesus to handle? 

This Jesus is the One who loved you and died for you and has promised never to leave nor abandon you.  He promises to be there with you in all of your storms, when you feel helpless and hopeless.  And he is with you in all of your victories, joys and celebrations, too. Not only are you not alone, but for Jesus, who promises to be with you, nothing is impossible. And he still loves you.

Dear friends, be blessed as you choose to go deeper in your search for God.  May you be filled with wonder and awe as you realize that this Almighty God has chosen you, called you and is sanctifying and preparing you for an eternity with him. Let’s choose to glorify and obey him! Amen.

Mary Sumner ~March 1, 2023