Cross: April 24, 2014

TODAYS WORD FOR THURSDAY APRIL 24, 2014

CROSS

DEFINITION:

A structure consisting of an upright post with a cross beam used as an instrument of death; the means by which Jesus died to make atonement between God and man.

SCRIPTURE:

Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friend. John 15:13.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

Last weekend was one of the most significant and meaningful weekends of the year for Christians. Last Friday was Good Friday, the day we remembered the death of Jesus. He died to pay the penalty for our sins and every believer should be so grateful for what He did for us.

And then last Sunday, Easter Sunday, we celebrated the Resurrection of Jesus. Without the resurrection, Jesus would be just another great teacher and we would not have the gift of eternal life that can come only through Him.

Just think, where would we spend eternity without the Easter experience? What comfort would we have in our daily living on this earth without the Easter experience? For us it is the greatest weekend of the year and we hope you remembered the significance of Easter and if not we are reminding you today that, as believers, we need to celebrate Easter every day.

The good news of Easter was that out of love for us, the Father has provided a place of safety for us. He sent His Son Jesus to die so we would not have to be separated from Him forever. Because of the death of Jesus on the cross and three days later His resurrection from the dead that place of safety is available to us. The big question for you today is, “Have you run to the cross?” To escape sin’s curse you must run to the cross.

In the verse above we read about one laying down his life for another. To give your life so another person can live is the ultimate proof of love and the ultimate sacrifice. Jesus told His disciples that His purpose in coming into this world was to lay down His life for all mankind. This was for every man, woman and child ever born. He set the ultimate example of self-sacrifice by going to the cross to lay down His life for us. Yes, there is no greater love than this.

Have you ever given any thought to the fact that Jesus did that for you? He died in your place and in so doing He not only proved His love for you but made it possible for you to be forgiven of your sins and to have an eternal home in heaven.

The song writer George Bernard, who we met personally many years ago, wrote these words in his song, “The Old Rugged Cross:”

“On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross, the emblem of suffering and shame; And I love that old cross where the dearest and best for a world of lost sinners was slain.”

Christ’s sacrifice was what God desired and our sin required. If you are not a believer accept Jesus into your heart today and make this day the greatest day of your life.

LEARNING:

This week we are memorizing the fifth commandment found in Exodus 20:12.

Honor your father and your mother, that your days will be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you.

PRAYER:

I rejoice, dear God, for what You have done for me. Thank You for sending Your Son to this earth to pay the penalty for my sin. It is the ultimate and greatest gift that I will ever receive and I praise You for it. Thank You that we can celebrate Your resurrection every day because You have conquered death and You are risen from the grave and are alive today. Thank You for now preparing for me and my family a place in heaven to spend an eternity with You.