Messages From the Cross

“Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.’” (Luke 23:34a NLT)

Have you ever thought about what kind of person forgives the people who are murdering them? I wrestle with forgiving the people I love over silly things. Only God can forgive that way, and, by His grace and with His strength, those who are filled and empowered by His Spirit.

Have you ever wondered why there are so many divorces, even among professing believers? I’m one of them, so I can assure you it’s selfishness, brought about by losing focus on our faith, and caring more about ourselves than anyone else. Please read carefully these words by Lisa Lakey (See Family Life I Do Every Day: This Has Nothing to Do With Jellybeans and Rabbits – 2022)

“Here are three things I’ve learned about marriage from the Easter story. 1. Marriage takes forgiveness. Even through the pain of the cross, Jesus called out on behalf of those who crucified Him. ‘Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.’ (Luke 23:34). A good marriage involves a lot of asking for, giving, and receiving forgiveness. Even in the midst of pain.

2. Marriage takes faith. When Thomas heard about Jesus’ appearance after His death, he was skeptical. ‘Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails … I will never believe.’ A week later, Thomas found himself face-to-face with Jesus, who offered him His hands. ‘”Believe,” Jesus told him.’ (John 20:24-29). There’ve been times I wanted proof my marriage could get better. Holding on when you want to let go takes faith. But Jesus is holding out His hands to us. Believe in His power to save.

3. Marriage needs a Savior. (And it’s not you.) Marriage is a gift, but make no mistake, it’s hard. You can’t do it on your own strength and determination. 

Not long after our honeymoon, we realized our marriage needed something bigger than both of us. Stronger. Like the criminal hanging next to Jesus who said, ‘Remember me when you come into your kingdom’ (Luke 23:42). The only One who can resurrect your marriage? A Savior.”

The reality is these truths apply to everyone because we all need a Savior. Life is too hard to navigate on our own. And yes, of course, we’re all capable of going from point A to point B if we don’t care where point B leads us. Billions of people go through life and some die with a lot of money, fame, and material possessions, none of which can help them one iota after they close their eyes in death.

If this life was all there was, sure, “eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die!” But Jesus changed all of that. He gives us a purpose we never had, a mission in which we never dreamed we could share, a partnership with Him and our brothers and sisters whose lives He’s transformed – and that’s all in THIS life! That’s not to mention an eternity with Him and our “blood-bought” family of God.

Jesus’ messages from the Cross supersede time and space to speak to us and bring us to our knees with the realization that there’s more to life than what this world offers. Forgiveness, hope, peace, purpose, a goal to live for and life in Him that’s worth dying for.

If you haven’t yet met this wonderful Savior who took your place on the Cross, please go to Ron Hutchcraft’s Bridge to God video and discover for yourself what it means to be forgiven and freed to live as you never dreamed possible.

Blessings, Ed 😊