Have you been there?
One simple question, “Have you been to the cross?”
April is an amazing month. Two of my three children, and one son-in-love, were born in April and several close relatives. The world celebrates Earth Day this month (The earth is the Lord’s; and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell therein. For He has found it upon the seas, and established it upon the waters, Psalm 24:1-2). And, most April calendars include Good Friday and Easter, or more appropriate, Resurrection Day!
Good Friday is, for me, a day of serious reflection. A day to be quiet and thoughtful. A day for me to consider what my beloved Savior suffered and the price of my eternal salvation. It cost Him everything and I believe it is worthy of thinking about and meditating on.
The Cross. Let your schedule slip for a moment. Lay your to-do list aside. Stop what you are doing, close your eyes and walk up Calvary’s hill. Can you hear the pounding of a wood mallet against spikes? The very ground reverberates with each blow. Do you smell the saltiness of blood, sweat, and tears? The pungent aroma of vinegar and sour wine? Can you hear cursing and reviling as soldiers mock The Crucified and gamble for His clothing? Do you hear the wracking sobs of women, children, and men?
If your answer is yes, the cross is a familiar place to you. The cross isn’t a favorite hang out for many – we’d much rather hang out in the garden, near the open tomb, celebrating Resurrection. But, without Friday’s cross there would be no Sunday morning. Without Friday’s cross, there would be no remission of sin. Without Friday’s cross, there would be no hope of glory.
The Cross. Have you been there? If not, I invite you to go – for, it is THERE that true love began and real life begins.
For God so loved the world that He gave His (one and) only begotten (and beloved) Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16
If in hearts we really don’t believe that God loves us as we are, if we are still tainted by the lie that we can do something to make God love us more, we are rejecting the message of the cross. Brennan Manning, The Ragamuffin Gospel
xo
Kathy Walters says
April 2, 2015 at 7:28 amThank you.
admin says
April 2, 2015 at 8:50 amThank Him, Kath’!
Karen Beth says
April 2, 2015 at 9:25 amI LOVE that you put aside GOOD FRIDAY for reflection … I myself do something similar.. I think it’s so important for us to reflect on why we re here and to really listen to what God is trying to tell us … thank you for sharing this writing 🙂
admin says
April 2, 2015 at 9:55 amKaren, nice to see you at my house!!!
Candace says
April 2, 2015 at 10:13 amI love the idea of stopping everything and hanging out at the cross for a while. What perfect timing for this type of reflection. I honestly don’t ever recall doing this simple but necessary time with Him using the details you bring up. Thanks :).
admin says
April 2, 2015 at 10:19 amCandace, so glad you stopped by. It all begins at The Cross!
~Karrilee~ says
April 2, 2015 at 12:16 pmI love this so and I am with you… all the bossy lists or even ‘fun’ errands are pushed aside on Friday… at least for a good part of it – so I can sit and read and listen and reflect… so I can lean in like Simon, and see miracles like Malchus! 😉
admin says
April 2, 2015 at 12:17 pm♥
Messy Mom says
April 2, 2015 at 12:23 pmThis is awesome. I think Good Friday really tends to be overlooked, I am glad that you shared this. Very encouraging.
admin says
April 2, 2015 at 12:50 pmThank you, Natalie.
Anita Ojeda says
April 2, 2015 at 10:45 pmThank you for taking me to the cross with your words. Beautiful. And you’re right–without the cross, there would be no resurrection!
admin says
April 3, 2015 at 6:10 amHe paid it all!
Tara says
April 3, 2015 at 12:05 amThe cross is where it all begins. We indeed cannot experience Easter without first experiencing the cross. Also I need to read the Ragamuffin Gospel.
admin says
April 3, 2015 at 6:10 amTara, you would LOVE Brennan Manning! All is GRACE.
Sharon says
April 3, 2015 at 1:20 amThanks for the inspiration. You are exactly right. We need to stop and ponder what He did for us!
admin says
April 3, 2015 at 6:11 amToday, Good Friday, is the day to do just that. Thanks for visiting, Sharon.
stuckinindiana says
March 10, 2016 at 7:30 amGreat post Susan! Lots of truth here!!
admin says
March 10, 2016 at 8:44 amThanks, C.
Shelby says
March 10, 2016 at 8:51 amBeautiful, Susan! Good Friday is so important. We just changed our move schedule because we realize we had scheduled it for Good Friday. Can’t be busy moving that day nor can we be the cause of the movers having to work that day. Much more important matters to which we have to attend — spending that valued and precious time at the Cross.
admin says
March 10, 2016 at 10:00 amNow, that is incredible, Shelby. I know it was out of conviction, not convenience! xo
beth willis miller says
March 10, 2016 at 9:26 amSusan, love, love, love your post and the graphic with the quote by Brennan Manning. Oh, how we need to truly experience the love of Christ poured out at the cross, His free gift of salvation, that we are justified on the basis of His finished work on the Cross. That, right now, we are under the completely sufficient imputed righteousness of Christ. Because we have placed our trust in the finished work of Jesus Christ, we are redeemed by His precious blood. The threat of failure, judgment, and condemnation has been removed. Knowing that God’s love for me and approval of me will never be determined by my performance is the most encouraging promise to which I cling. Many blessings to you, sweet friend.
admin says
March 10, 2016 at 9:59 amBeth, I cling to His promise! Thanks for visiting today!
Horace@pleasingtothePotter.com says
March 10, 2016 at 9:42 pmWhat a beautiful thought and great idea for Good Friday. So true…without the cross there would be no Christians. I am thankful that Jesus completed His mission and I look forward to seeing Him in Heaven someday!
admin says
March 11, 2016 at 9:09 amMe too, Horace, me too!
Lori @ Frog's Lilypad says
March 11, 2016 at 10:00 pmThis is wonderful, Susan. I’m thankful for the cross because I would be in a mess without it. Thank you for sharing with Thankful Thursdays.
admin says
March 12, 2016 at 6:54 amLori, oh my can’t even think about it!