The Cross That
Changed The World
Editor's Note: When this story was first written in the late 1990's it
immediately hit a responsive chord, was published world-wide, and has been an
annual feature since.. It is now considered an Easter Classic
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The world today
is in chaos. There are no restraints in human conduct. Absolute values have
long been abolished. Good is considered evil, and evil is considered good. And
never has The Cross been more offensive to society than it is today.
Sin abounds.
Any mention of the name Jesus Christ brings
contempt and ridicule. His name is blasphemed and many public displays of
Christianity have been declared illegal, while at the same time, pagan
religions are readily endorsed and encouraged.
Seeing all of
this, would Jesus have second thoughts about Calvary? How would He look back on
his sacrifice today? Think about it. Prayerfully pondering these questions,
this writer speculates what Jesus might say to us today as He looks back
to the Cross:
"But
beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a
thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. Our time reference is much
different in Heaven than it is on earth. If you were to be with us in Heaven,
you would see an entire life spin out from birth to death in a matter of
seconds.
"This is
why coming to earth to face Calvary’s Cross was the greatest challenge I have
had to face during my existence. First I had to come under the earth’s time
system of seconds, minutes, hours, weeks, months and years.
"Even more
challenging was agreeing to inhabit an earthly human body with its inherited
sinful nature. A body that would feel the driftings and currents of the world
as well as the pain. And it may surprise you to learn that I had to exercise
extreme faith to go through with this.
"Remember,
I began my sacrificial life on earth as a baby… a new birth on earth. As a baby
I had to be fed, bathed, and diapered like any other baby. I had to learn to
take my first steps, learn to understand and speak words, and, experience the
growing pains of adolescence.
"The time
passes slowly for young people and soon there was such a feeling of distance
between where I was at that time, and my time in Heaven with my Father, that it
almost seemed a memory that may or may not have actually been.
"And while
instinctively I wanted to be about my Father’s business, the Jews in the
synagogues would curtly ask, Who is this boy who asks such questions? Isn’t
this Joseph the carpenter’s son?
"I
eventually faced the appointed day… a day where I would take on all the sins of
mankind, a day where I would (in a human body) die a disgraceful,
excruciatingly painful death while the Roman soldiers ridiculed me and
religious leaders mocked in the distance. and yet, this was the only way that
mankind could be redeemed, saved by Grace, and reconciled to God. Without this
sacrifice, all would perish, which had been Satan’s plan since The Garden of
Eden.
"My human
body was capable of the same temptations and stress as yours. This is why that
in the Garden of Gethsemane, knowing what I faced the next day, I sweated great
drops of blood. And yes, at one point (giving into the body I inhabited), I
cried out: ‘Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take this cup from
me…nevertheless, not what I will, but what Thou wilt.
"The
reality of what I faced was now before me. The unspeakable pain. Having to
endure all the sins of mankind in my body… having to be taken to hell and back,
to be ridiculed and to have one of my own disciples betray me… for money.
"I had to
call on every ounce of faith I possessed to go through with this. But I had no
choice. The world itself was at stake. And my love of mankind was such that I
would have none perish.
"As my
Father promised me, and, as explicitly detailed throughout the prophecies, the
entire event went exactly as foretold, ending in great victory. Lucifer suffered his greatest defeat as the keys
of death were snatched from his hands.
"Death was
conquered, giving instead, to all who believe in Me, everlasting life with me
in Paradise.
"Looking
at the world today… a world filled with violence, chaos, sin, unspeakable
crimes against humanity… and even seeing those who call themselves My servants
cutting down each other and distorting my Word, one could well ask, Was it all
worth it? If you could go back, would you go through the crucifixion again?
"Yes I
would. I would go through the whole thing for any ONE of you here. That is how
much I love you.
"When you
join me in Heaven, you will understand why I would want to share this Paradise
with you. Heaven (you will see) is filled with exquisite peace and joy, and a
place where you will inhabit perfect heavenly bodies… bodies free from aches,
pains and disease.
"On second
thought, let me clarify something. There will be one imperfect body in Heaven.
And every time you see the nail holes in my hands and feet, and the scar in my
side, you will be constantly reminded of how much I love you. And let me add,
it was all worth it.
"So come
unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take
my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye
shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is
light."
Amen.
Amen.
*******
Rev. Austin
Miles, a pastor and interdenominational chaplain is an award-winning writer and
author. He was a writer, researcher and technical consultant for the
multi-award winning TV series, Ancient Secrets of The Bible which originally
aired on CBS TV and has been in constant re-runs since.. Visit his website at: http://www.revaustinmiles.com
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