With symbols of the cross everywhere you turn you would think it would be easy to remember the cross and its power in your life. It turns out though, that the message of the cross is more than just a symbol. Just like there’s more to Easter than the Easter bunny.
For the cross to have any impact in our lives it must be more than just a symbol we display. I believe you will agree that the cross has power. It has the power to change and to impact our lives in a way that’s obvious for all to see.
So, how can we move beyond the cross being a symbol to allowing it to transform us?
As I pondered this question, the words of the old hymn When I Survey the Wondrous Cross came to mind.
And when I say old, I do mean old–as 3 centuries old! Yet these poetic and Shakespeare-like words hold beautiful meaning for followers of Christ.
Here are some questions that came to mind as I sought to remember the cross and its power in my life. I pray that these prompts, inspired by this wonderful hymn, will invite you to reflect on the life-changing power of the cross as well.
Tweet This1. Everything pales in comparison to the Cross
It’s so easy to get caught up in storing up wealth and accomplishments and accolades. I know because I’ve been guilty of this many times. But how important are these things really?
Read:
Don’t hoard treasure down here where it gets eaten by moths and corroded by rust or—worse!—stolen by burglars. Stockpile treasure in heaven, where it’s safe from moth and rust and burglars. It’s obvious, isn’t it? The place where your treasure is, is the place you will most want to be, and end up being.
Ask:
- Am I storing up treasures on earth or in heaven?
- What are some things that are more important to me than my relationship with God?
2. We too are called to sacrifice
Very often we focus on what Jesus did on the Cross and stop right there. But what about us? Aren’t we also called to do some sacrificing of our own?
Read:
Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it.”
Ask:
- How am I dying to myself daily?
- What things are holding me back from following Jesus fully?
3. Jesus displayed love beyond compare
I love my husband and children dearly but when asked if I would do for them what Jesus did for me, I hesitate. The kind of real, sacrificial love that Jesus displayed can hardly be found elsewhere. That thought alone makes me extremely grateful.
Read:
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
Ask:
- How do I show gratitude to God for His immense love for me?
- Am I sharing this good news with others?
Download a copy of the 15-page Remember the Cross devotional here, complete with journal pages to record your reflections.
4. Jesus’ sacrifice requires a response
The reason that Jesus died on the cross was so that I can have a relationship with God. My prayer is that He didn’t do all of this in vain.
Read:
“He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.”
Ask:
- How have I responded to Jesus’ sacrifice?
- Is there something more He is calling me to do, to believe or to change in order to live righteously?
What about you?
Have you experienced the transforming power of the Cross?
This power isn’t just for an elite few. It’s for you and for me!
Wishing you blessings,
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I too love this hymn – almost like Scripture in its truth – thanks, Marva for your lovely exposition – forbid it, Lord that I should glory in anything but.
This is a great post, Marva – and I love your graphics!
You know, surveying the Cross means more than just to take a look at it and move on. To me, surveying means measuring and seeing what it’s made of. The cross is totally priceless because it purchased something for us that we could never ever get for ourselves – right standing with God.
So precious!
A wonderful, inspiring post. That’s one of my favorite hymns; thanks for giving me a fresh look at it!
Thanks so much for joining the Grace at Home party at Imparting Grace. I’m featuring you this week!
What a lovely gesture to feature my post, Richella. I am grateful for the chance to spread the message of Christ’s love to those who will read it. I’m glad you enjoyed it too.
Blessings!
Wonderful post, we should consider His sacrifice constantly to keep us in His love, I was reminded of the words from the song Why? by Michael Card, about why did it have to be nails, His love would have held Him there.
So true, Rebecca. His love alone was enough and I am so grateful.
Blessings to you!
Even the title makes me want to consider what it means to look to the Cross… to survey it and to ponder it more than just the evident. What He did there, the finishing work He completed… my ransom, my provision, my redemption. When I survey what the Cross represented, I can also look through it as a lens for His pure purpose of love.
Awesome lesson on hope, Marva.
Blessings,
Dawn
Thank you for this wonderful reminder to keep the cross, and the ressurection of Jesus at the forefront of why we celebrate Easter. It’s very timely and neccesary!
Praying you have a wonderful Christ filled Easter, Marva!
Marva –
Beautiful reminders of what the cross is all about.
Happy Easter!
Maree
Jesus’ sacrifice does deserve a response! Amen!
What a great little devotional for this week! I love the way you did this Marva! Sending you a hug from Virginia!
Beautiful post, Marva! You have made so many excellent points. How guilty I am of storing up things here on earth rather than in Heaven. Every time that I think I have fully cleaned out the “earth storage box” God purges it again. How grateful I am that He is so patient and never stops working with me to fashion me into more of His image!
Hi Summer! Like you, I too am grateful for God’s patience which He ultimately displayed on the Cross. I’m so glad He doesn’t strike me off His list with each infraction, because God knows I have many! 🙂
Thanks for stopping by to visit from your beautiful blog!
Sorrow and love flow mingled down…..thorns compose so rich a crown. I have loved this hymn ever since I was a young girl but the meaning became more dear and clear as an adult. The KING of KINGS wore a crown of thorns for me, and this love is so amazing that it demands my life and my all for HIM.
It is important that I die to myself and make Christ alive and prominent in my life.Thank you Marva, for the reminder once again. Cross is not just a symbol.
Diana
Hi, Diana, it’s so good to see you here today. When I first came to grips with the depth of sacrifice and depth of God’s love, I couldn’t help but respond. I’m glad this serves as a reminder for you to die to self and keep the Cross ever before you. Let’s keep reminding each other of this way beyond Easter.
I came back one more time just because I loved this post 😀 Yes let us remind each other of keeping the Cross before us even beyond Easter
Diana
I love this. Such an important reminder for this time of the year. Christ loves us so much, and the Cross is a symbol of that love.
Thanks, Sarah. Yes, when I think about how much Jesus loves me it’s overwhelming. To think that He would make such a sacrifice for me is something that’s so hard to fathom, yet He did! I’m so thankful for the Cross!
Marv, thanks for this beautiful reminder to focus on the realness of the cross and how we respond to Christ’s display of love for us. I am reminded that loving Christ can be painful and hard sometimes, but when I think of the cross, I am grateful that Christ is both my inspiration and my power source. Blessings, my sister!
I love that: He’s my inspiration AND my power source! Goodness knows I need both!
Hugs, my sister! I always appreciate you stopping by. 🙂