Today's Daily Bread

 

 

                                                                                

The Wonder Of The Cross

January 27, 2014 — by Bill Crowder

Our Daily Bread 

 

 

 

Read: Hebrews 12:1-4

[Look] unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross. —Hebrews 12:2

 

 

Bible in a Year:
Exodus 16-18; Matthew 18:1-20

While visiting Australia, I had the opportunity on a particularly clear night to see the Southern Cross. Located in the Southern Hemisphere, this constellation is one of the most distinctive. Mariners and navigators began relying on it as early as the 15th century for direction and navigation through the seas. 

Although relatively small, it is visible throughout most of the year. The Southern Cross was so vivid on that dark night that even I could pick it out of the bundle of stars. It was truly a magnificent sight!

The Scriptures tell us of an even more magnificent cross—the cross of Christ. When we look at the stars, we see the handiwork of the Creator; but when we look at the cross, we see the Creator dying for His creation. Hebrews 12:2 calls us to “[look] unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

The wonder of Calvary’s cross is that while we were still in our sins, our Savior died for us (Rom. 5:8). Those who place their trust in Christ are now reconciled to God, and He navigates them through life (2 Cor. 1:8-10).

Christ’s sacrifice on the cross is the greatest of all wonders!

 

When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride. —Watts

 

 

Christ’s cross provides the only safe crossing into eternity.

Insight

The writer of Hebrews paints a picture of an athletic competition, using the metaphor of a long-distance foot race to exhort believers to endure and persevere in the life of faith (vv.1-2). The apostle Paul also often used the idea of the race to speak of the challenges of living the Christian life (1 Cor. 9:24-27; Gal. 5:7; Phil. 3:13-14; 2 Tim. 4:7). The constant call is this: “Don’t give up. Keep your eyes on the finish line and finish the race!” The runner who completes the race will receive his reward (1 Cor. 9:25; 2 Tim. 4:8; 1 Peter 5:4; Rev. 2:10).