Such-and-such is my “cross to bear.” It’s an expression people use. Someone dealing with chronic pain might say it is their “cross to bear.” Another person who takes care of a loved one in need might say it is their “cross to bear.”We’ve been spending some time thinking about carrying a cross in light of … Continue reading What you’re gaining vs giving up
the cross
Take up your electric chair
A man was walking through a Tokyo department store in the Christmas season. He noticed something strange, even offensive. It was someone nailed to a cross. But the person wasn't Jesus, it was Santa.*At first perhaps we might think that this is the ultimate sign of the horrid commercialization of Christmas. However, it might be … Continue reading Take up your electric chair
Arrogance beside the cross?
Two wise and faithful men were being interviewed after years of exemplary teaching and service. They were both humble, despite their many accolades and awards. The interviewer asked how they were able to resist pride and stay humble? One of the men replied: “How on earth can anyone be arrogant when standing beside the cross?”* … Continue reading Arrogance beside the cross?
Blood was the only hope
“…by his wounds we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5). Susanna Petroysan and her 4-year old daughter lived in soviet Armenia. They went to visit a relative in an apartment building on December 7, 1988. After they arrived, the country was struck with a massive earthquake. They were on the fifth floor and there was no time … Continue reading Blood was the only hope
Four words for Good Friday
Today is Good Friday. Christians from all over the world gather at special services to ponder the cross and to thank God for what he has done for us in Christ. He has given his life for ours. The Reformer Martin Luther called it the “glorious exchange.” We’re the ones who deserve to be up … Continue reading Four words for Good Friday
He experienced your death sentence to set you free
In A Tale of Two Cities two characters named Sydney and Charles love the same woman. The two men look a bit alike, but she ends up marrying Charles. They have two children together. Much later, Charles is put in prison and sentenced to death. In a powerful act of self-sacrifice, Sydney breaks into the … Continue reading He experienced your death sentence to set you free
The cross is steady while the world turns
The Carthusians are a monastic order of contemplation. They were founded in the 11th century. I’m obviously no monk, but I recently came across their motto while reading about them. I was inspired by it. “The cross is steady while the world turns.” There are days when we just need that reminder. When we talk … Continue reading The cross is steady while the world turns
A consolation AND a demand
There is a lot in the Christian faith that is comforting and consoling, things like the promise of forgiveness, love and eternal life, and like the power and presence of God in your daily life. But we also need to hike up our britches and remember that our faith isn’t just about receiving, but giving. … Continue reading A consolation AND a demand
Why it’s called ‘good’ Friday
There’s a marine training facility called Parris Island. A young man signed up who was a bit out of step with the others. He was nice enough—but he just didn’t fit in. As a result he got picked on. A lot. In his barracks there were guys who were particularly mean. One of them came … Continue reading Why it’s called ‘good’ Friday
When comfort is the enemy
I really don’t like what I’m about to say: Comfort is the enemy of discipleship. The problem is that I like comfort. I also like being a disciple of Jesus. But why are those two things supposedly in conflict? Comfort is about maximizing convenience, and minimizing inconveniences which take us out of our comfort zones. … Continue reading When comfort is the enemy
