City Life Starter

But He was pierced for our transgressions,

He was crushed for our iniquities;

The punishment for our peace was on Him,

And by His wounds we are healed.

–Isaiah 53:5

During this Passover/Passion week, I’ve been given this unique opportunity to share from my perspective: “What does the cross mean to me?”

When I think of the word, “Cross,” the word that immediately comes to mind is “crushed.” Think of it, the Lord was pierced for our transgressions; He was crushed for our iniquities (Isaiah 53:5, emphasis added).

At face value “crushed” is not pretty. The illustration that I think of is an olive going through an olive press and being crushed. Although it’s painful, although it’s not a pretty process, being crushed for the Lord is pleasing to our Father in Heaven. The olive that yields to the olive press releases its fragrant oil that give its life a brand new meaning.

Jesus set the ultimate example for us in yielding to the cross and allowing Himself to be crushed for our iniquities. What everyone thought was defeat was actually the greatest victory. Jesus endured the cross in obedience to the Father and is forever glorified. The cross revealed His glory.

What a God we serve! He doesn’t ask us to do anything He hasn’t done Himself. He endured the cross for us, so what’s stopping us? Each of us has our own personal cross to bear. There are situations in life that will crush us. But we have a choice. We can resist and turn inward or we can yield and experience His Glory through it all.

Jesus’ life didn’t end at the cross. He overcame the cross. This is an encouragement not to see the cross as the end, but a beautiful beginning. See your sin and shortcomings nailed to the cross and allow the cross to empower you to live a new life. See the purpose behind the pain.  

The cross ushers in a way of hope for humanity. It shows us the great lengths God is willing to go to bring us back to Him. It it is His labor of love, His finished work.

When you receive that finished work of Christ, you will experience the resurrection power of Christ. Although the weight of the cross crushed Jesus, it could not overcome Him. He is the perfect, sinless, spotless lamb of God who reigns victorious over sin and death.

This Easter celebration is such a sweet reminder to embrace your new life in Christ and leave the empty tomb behind. He is Risen. He is Risen indeed!

Prayer

Lord, I thank You for Your sacrifice in going to the cross to pay the penalty for my sin. Lord, You did not deserve the cross, and I do not deserve Your righteousness, but I thank You for it all the same. You are worthy to be praised and honored forever. I give you my life in faithful obedience, committed to the Truth. Lord, have Your way in my life. I give You my heart. In Jesus Name, Amen.