“But may it never be that I would boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.” Galatians 6:14 NAS
The cross is universally recognized today as a symbol of Christianity even by those who have no idea its connection to Jesus. Worn on the neck as fashion and put on the side of buildings to welcome worshippers, it is a symbol of honor. But that was not always so.
When the Romans built their empire they were known both by their efficiency in building society, as well as their brutality in enforcing their laws. Hence, they used a most demoralizing and painful form of execution for prisoners who were particularly loathsome. It was used mostly for slaves, disgraced soldiers, Christians and foreigners.
‘He humbled Himself to the point of death, even death on a cross.’ Phil. 2:8.
The cross in the time of Christ was a symbol of utter contempt. It was failure. It was shame and complete degradation. Christ, our Savior allowed Himself to be put to death in this way. Stripped of clothing, reputation and identity He was set up in a public place to be mocked as He died. He did not seek the easy way.
Even then our Redeemer began to change the identity of that cross. Two pieces of wood, set perpendicular. One horizontal, symbolizing the redemption of our relationships, one with another. One vertical, symbolizing the redemption of our lives to God. For it was at that intersection that Christ laid down His life and made the great exchange: His life for ours.
Now that cross symbolizes another picture. Christ calls us not only to be believers, but followers. Jesus said, ‘if any man wishes to be My disciple, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me.’ To be a disciple of Jesus means that we lay down our own identity, and take up His cross/His identity. Our lives becomes hidden in Him. In another verse Jesus said, ‘anyone who seeks his own life will lose it, but he who loses his life for My sake, will find it.’ The word for life here is Psuke, the Greek word for soul. Jesus was not asking them in this verse to die physically for Him; rather to die to self and selfishness. He was asking them to LIVE for Him. It is the second part of the great exchange. Our old life for new life in Him. A life led by love to do His work in this world and the joy of knowing Him. What a wonderful exchange!! Sign me up, Jesus!!
Jesus said if anyone would lose their Psuke for His sake they would SAVE it. The Greek word for save here is SOZO: to heal, save, preserve and rescue. The cross is for our rescue! In the cross God has cast a life line to humanity. We can grab His outstretched hand, and be saved.
Follow on then, with all joy; complete in the great exchange of the cross.
~ Debbie Ecker
