I always sign my letters “Because of the Cross”. It’s a simple little thought that I started signing early in my ministry, perhaps during college and have done so ever since.
In class yesterday morning we talked about the sacrifice of the Father and watched a powerful mini-movie – “Most” that depicted a father’s sacrifice of his son to save many. Looking at John 3:16-17 and Ephesians 2 we talked about the sacrifice of God’s Son on the Cross and how that sacrifice gives us new life, full life – a life that is no longer ours but belongs to God.
Last night seventeen of us gathered at the Hirth’s house (thanks Hirths!) to watch – at the beginning of Passion week – The Passion of the Christ. It’s only the 2nd time I have seen the movie, and for some there it was their first. After the movie we shared in a moving time of worship and communion with one another. We talked about Romans 5. In verses 8-9 Paul writes “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from the wrath of God.” Each blow, each whip or scourge, each nail and insult that was taken by Jesus, was taken because of me. He took my sin and because of that I can now rejoice that he has become my substitute – that was supposed to be me there. God’s wrath was supposed to be upon me…but Jesus took it. What a reason to rejoice! What an awesome time we had sharing, praying, rejoicing and communing together!!!
Our Western Cultural view has tamed the meaning and the picture of the cross. We paint pictures of it and we wear it as jewelry but the cross was not pretty, the cross was not “in style”. The cross was a shameful, horrible way to die - it was costly - it cost Jesus everything. Because of it though, God looks at me (and you) through the blood of Jesus and says “It was worth it.” I am reminded that the little saying “Because of the Cross” isn’t just a saying…it is my life. My life is now because of the Cross. My marriage, my family, my house, my car, my job, my strength, my money, my hope, my joy, my peace…everything I am, everything I ever hope to be is because of what Jesus did for me on that Cross.
It is my prayer that our youth group will continue to come to an understanding that living for Christ will cost them everything, but it’s worth it!
Because of the Cross,
Mike
Mike Brown
Youth & Family Minister
115 New Ballwin Rd.
636.391.6697 - office
636.394.2338 - fax
mike.brown@lafayettechurch.org
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