Making Our Way to the Cross
You never know what you might see simply by gazing out the window. A few weeks ago, I watched a man walk toward the church on West Old Lincoln Way. It’s not really a safe roadway for pedestrians in ideal weather conditions, but with all the snow that had piled up on the berm, it appeared to be particularly treacherous.
I had no idea where the man was headed until I saw that he had turned left and was now on church grounds. I wondered if he might be on his way to our outdoor pantry, but instead he stopped at the Serenity Garden, set down his backpack, sat down on the bench, and, I assume, reflected and prayed in front of the cross.
I was struck by the fact that this gentleman, whom I did not know (or at least did not recognize), had made an intentional journey to the cross. He could have reflected or prayed anywhere else, but he chose the cross in our Serenity Garden on that day.
In addition to being gratified that he chose to come to our church, it caused me to think more deeply about what it is that brings us to the cross. Many of us were introduced at a very young age and have never known life without the cross. Others come at various stages in life. Some are led by family, friends, mentors, or even strangers. Some find their way in times of triumph; others connect through tragedy.
It really doesn’t matter how you get there as long as you reach your desired destination. Once you arrive, however, it is important to remember that it is not really the end, but rather the beginning of a lifelong relationship with the one who hung there, dying an excruciating death so that our sins would be blotted out, and so that we could experience life eternal through his glorious resurrection.
Paul’s journey to the cross was both intricate and inspiring. In Philippians 1, he talked about his time in captivity, but actually reveals the joy in his journey when he says, “Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare
all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.”
Paul, the one-time persecutor of Christians (a.k.a. Saul), had a life-changing experience on the road to Damascus, where the Lord intervened and dramatically changed his journey. Our path to the cross may not have been that dramatic or traumatic, but the point is that we found our way. Moving forward, our mission is to provide instruction and direction so that others may also find their way to the cross.
Please join us this Sunday as Rev. David Wilcox helps us to “See the Larger Picture” with his inspiring message. Be sure to bring the kids, too, because he will have some words of wisdom for them as well, and don’t forget to bring a dish to share for the Fellowship dinner after the service.
As always, our time of worship and fellowship is blessed by God as he further reveals himself and provides clarity for our journey, which will ultimately take us from this world safely and securely into the next.
Until We Meet Again, Be Blessed! – Pastor John