THE CROSS – OUR MEMORIAL WALL!

THE CROSS – OUR MEMORIAL WALL!

John 19:25

25 Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene.

Heb 12:2

2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial was dedicated in 1982. In the first 15 years, 54,000 items were left at the Wall. It still takes almost an hour every night, [and much longer on Memorial Day,] to collect all the mementos such as a teddy bear, a photo of a soldier's grandchild, a letter from a daughter who never knew her dad, and such like.

         Every item is labeled and taken to a warehouse. No one knows quite how to deal with it all. "No one ever expected this to happen," a park ranger says. "It's so personal. It caught everyone by surprise."

Who would have thought, on that day so long ago, that the rugged Cross of Calvary would be the memorial wall for so many through the ages? If you search the Scriptures for the phrase “take your burdens to the cross” you will not find it written there. Yet we use this so often we are emotionally certain it should be. What we DO find is this following verse.

Col 2:14

14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross.

Think of the “warehouse” needed to hold all the “handwritings” which have been nailed to His cross! Now think of all those that are nailed there day after day. It is very personal and would surely take you by surprise!

Approach the cross with reverence and respect! Remember the One who died to give you true freedom. Place before the cross all those personal things that so strongly connect you with it. Pause a while and say thank you. Let the tears flow for a few minutes and remember!

In John Bunyan’s book, Pilgrim’s Progress, Christian finally reaches the place of the cross. “Then was Christian glad and lightsome, and said with a merry heart, He hath given me rest by his sorrow, and life by his death. Then he stood still awhile to look and wonder; for it was very surprising to him, that the sight of the Cross should thus ease him of his Burden.” Then his heart burst with praise and he said:

Blest Cross! blest Sepulchre! blest rather be
The Man that there was put to shame for me.

The Cross – where my restless heart has finally found a home!

Oh my Lord! Thank you for your sacrifice on the Cross. AMEN