Old Rugged Cross

Thursday, March 8, 2007
Old Rugged Cross
Old Rugged Cross – Curse Or A Blessing?

ANDREW RODRIGUES

Many of us are aware what the Cross represents, don't we? Yes, here it represents Christianity. After you read the following, you might say, that you are now aware what Cross really represents.

We have seen Catholics making the sign of the cross before prayer and after prayer. Some make the sign of the cross when they achieve a milestone in their career, thinking that they are giving praises to God. For example, we may have seen our very own fast bowler S Sreesanth before attempting his bowling delivery or even when he claims a wicket, he makes a sign of the cross. Our opening batsman Robin Utthapa too made the sign of the cross when he completed his fifty runs against the West Indies at Chennai. Nothing is wrong. Even I used to do it too! Ignorantly! Many jewellery and non-jewellery traders come out with novel and fashionable crosses that are worn by youngsters, celebrities, Christians and non-Christians alike without knowing its significance.

This very Cross is once again being adored and reflected by Catholics during the current Lenten season. This is done every year, again and again. The Vatican has adapted this form traditionally to its followers which is carried through generations.

As such, this Cross emerged through Jesus Christ. This same cross is actually a sign of curse – an exchange that occurred in the cross – from curse to righteousness. Jesus was put to death as a penalty for our sins. Jesus was rejected by God the Father which is clearly expressed in Matthew 27: 46 About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani" — which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" He was sent to earth so that we might have life in abundance.

God had a plan of sending the "cross" into the world. He had seen that sin was spreading rapidly in the world. He did not want to wipe the world of its iniquities again by flooding, as was in Noah's time or raze the world like the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah! He had compassion for us and so God sent His only beloved Son as a living sacrifice for our sins. He was put to death that we might be forgiven. He was physically wounded that we might be healed. He was made sin that we might be made righteous. He tasted death that we might share His eternal life. He took our poverty that we might share His abundance. Jesus's death was cursed so that we might receive blessings. Galatians 3:13-14 says that Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: "Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree." He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit. This is to say that all our rebellion and consequences came upon JESUS. All the above sentences speak clearly in the Word (Bible) that is given to us.

Curses and blessings take the form of words. They may be spoken, written or merely uttered inwardly. As it is said, "thoughts, words and deeds". Words are not just ordinary words but are vessels of supernatural power. God clearly says in Genesis, "I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you." We need to be careful of what we think, say and do as this will pave our way to destiny – curses and blessings.

Are we still to say that we should carry the cross when Christ Himself carried it for us? Are we still to make the sign of the cross and embrace curses upon us which Christ already did on the Cross? Do we still crave for fashionable crosses to be worn as trendy objects? I am not using this medium to change the world but thought of sharing this teaching as is revealed to me by the power of the Holy Spirit. Remain Blessed.

2:35:43 PM
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