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Scripture: 1 Peter 2:24 – “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the Cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.”
Reflection: What does the Cross mean to you? I mean do some deep soul searching, not the superficial look we do when someone asks us why we go to church, or why we believe. Do some true introspection into your heart (Proverbs 4:23); focus on your thoughts, your desires and your plans.
Now, think of the Cross.
Think of the moment He was beaten. Think of the seconds before He was mocked and accused by the chief priests and elders. Think of His silence. Think of the crown of thorns being placed on His head. Think of the nails being driven into His hands. Think of Him taking His last breath.
Now, imagine the moment He thought of you.
When we understand why Jesus didn’t fight the fate of the Cross, we understand that the Cross was essential to our redemption today. Instead of each of us having to atone for our own individual sins, Jesus accepted the fate of the Cross for all of our sins. Even then, He had us on His mind – before we were ever formed (Jeremiah 1:5). He understood the Cross was the only way to save us from ourselves.
This week I implore you to consider what the Cross represents to you. If the Cross represents unselfish love, show someone what unselfish love looks like. If the Cross represents faith, grow your faith life this week by believing God to answer your deepest prayer. If the Cross represents life, give an uplifting breath of life to everyone you encounter.
Prayer: Father God, thank You for the Cross. Thank You for Your Son, who was without sin, who died for my sins. Help me to focus my thoughts on what the Cross means to me, and for me. Christ lived His life knowing He would die for my sins, and for this I want to live my life beholden to the Cross, in everything I say and everything I do. Allow me to grow forward from this day, as a new person, with renewed perspective and renewed faith, knowing that because Jesus conquered death, I too am a conqueror. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
Devoted to God 