the Cross

Over the last 2 weeks the focus of my heart has been drawn back to the cross of Christ. In 2 separate books at around the same time the subject came up and in both cases my heart was pierced. I was broken over the reality of what my sin required at Christ's expense. I was reminded of the penalty Jesus paid in my stead. I was awakened to the pain and shame of the cross and as a result saw worship deepen and God's glory magnified in my life.

The shame of the cross was probably the strongest stand out from this time of re-focus. This shame was specifically pointed out in one of the writer's references to ancient Roman times. I had heard of 'Alexamenos graffito' (pictured above) before but didn't fully recognize the symbolism of this image and what it may have to say for us today. The fact is that death by crucifixion was the most shameful death possible in the Roman Empire. This death was reserved for the worst of criminals and was so shameful that many Romans considered it not fit to even speak of. In the case of the Alexamenos graffito the cross and the man upon it - with the head of a donkey - and anyone, like Alexamenos, who worshiped Jesus were being mocked because the idea of worshiping a god who was crucified was ridiculous. What god would ever let someone kill them in this way? What kind of power could a god like this really have? Why would a "king" identify with this shameful act? The answer to these questions that hounded me for days were those that revealed I was the reason for this shame. It was his unsurpassed love for us that drove God to die. Jesus gave of himself, "no one takes [my life] from me, I lay it down of my own accord." (Jn 10:18) knowing full well the pain and the shame. But he despised that shame (Heb 12:2) and bore the cross to make righteous the unrighteous (2 Cor 5:21), to absorb the wrath of God that was against us (Rom 5:9). By this cross the very power of God is revealed and shown to us though it is foolishness to those who are perishing (1 Cor 1:17-25). And by humbly giving his life the name of Jesus has been lifted up above all other names and is the only name that brings everyone to their knees in worship (Phil 2:5-11) either now or in the age to come. He is forever King of all kings.

So much shame, such great love, unsurpassed power shown in unmatched humility; a simple gaze upon the cross has revealed such glory to me. The immense greatness of God and the utter darkness of me stand apposed at the cross. I am forever changed by the truth of the exchange made on that hill. Through these weeks my heartfelt worship has been changed once again, my view of Jesus made a little clearer, my thankfulness deepened and my love for God and others strengthened. Only Jesus made this sacrifice, only the Father was willing to send his own son, only the Spirit can reveal this to the hearts of man. Our God is great and deserving of all our worship.