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The Rugged Cross not the Shiny Gold Cross

Read Galatians 6

Come near to God and He will come near to you. James 4:8

Sinners on the cross

There was no description of Jesus cross – what it looked like or type of wood. What we do know is the cross was rugged, unfinished, and heavy. Jesus was not a criminal but was accused of blasphemy. Though His death was unjust it atone all sins.

Hanging people on a cross would be considered grisly today. Yet this ancient practice was a common way to degrade and allow lawbreakers to rot in public. It was nothing alluring about the cross or punishment.

Rugged cross not Gold cross

Over time society glamorized the rugged cross transforming it into gold and silver ornaments worn around necks. Celebrities adorn the crucifix with diamonds and other fancy stones as a sign of status. Others engrave images over human anatomy and T-shirts. It is worn in solidarity of the Christian faith.

A King on a Cross

Jesus bearing his own cross was horrific torture; there was no beauty in being crucified. It was meant as a form of punishment. The cross was not meant to be a symbol or fashion statement.

Pilate took Jesus and scourged him – John 19:1
They put a crown of thorns on His head – Matthew 27:29
They spat on Him – Matthew 27:30
Jesus carried his cross to Golgotha – John 19:17
Simon a Cyrenian was compelled to bear Jesus cross Mark 15:21

Bear and share the burden

Jesus’ death was horrific. Jesus bore our sins on the tree that we might live for righteousness – by his stripes we are healed 1 Peter 2:24. Since that day of crucifixion and resurrection Christians and non-Christians choose to wear crosses to pay homage of that day opposed to bearing crosses as Christ directed. Paul reminded the Galatians to bear one another’s burdens and fulfill the law of Christ… for each one shall bear his own load Galatians 6:2-5.

Foolish People

Jesus intent was for each of us to bear one another’s burdens – become our brother’s keeper. But foolish people changed it to wearing a cross around their necks. Until the crude, rugged cross and Jesus crucifixion is truly understood adorning a cross means nothing.

To die from self and live for him is the true meaning of bearing and wearing a cross. It is the rugged cross and not the shiny gold cross that God want us to emulate.

Father God,

Help us to remember the reason for the cross – the crucifixion. Help us to bear one another’s burdens not just wear a cross. As servants learn to glorify you in everything we do. In Jesus name Amen.

The Rugged Cross not the Shiny Gold Cross

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