Just Jewelry?

Read: Matthew 27:22-26

God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. --- Galatians 6:14

The Bible In One Year:
Psalms 42-44

Some Christians make it a habit to wear a cross. It may be a necklace or a lapel pin. It may be worn thoughtlessly as a decoration or prayerfully to let people know of the wearer's personal faith.

In April 2006, a Methodist church in the city of Dudley, England, found out that it would have to pay a fee to put a cross on its new building. Yes, a fee was required because under British law the cross is an advertisement. In proclaims to the world, whether on a person or a building, that the blood-stained cross of Calvary is our only hope of forgiveness and salvation.

Our Bible reading today tells us of the cross --- the instrument of execution used on our Savior [Matt. 27:22-26]. The crowd in anger shouted, "Let Him be crucified!" The cross is a sign of His death, and must not be taken lightly. This should cause us to examine what the cross means to us. Is it a witness to our eternal hope in the saving death of Jesus on Calvary?

While wearing the cross may be a challenging mark of discipleship, far more challenging is our Lord's command that we "take up [our] cross daily" and learn what it means to follow in His footsteps [Luke 9:23]. And that includes a willingness to practice costly discipleship. --- Vernon Grounds

"Take up thy cross and follow Me,"
I hear the blessed Savior call;
How can I make a lesser sacrifice
When Jesus gave His all? --- Ackley

BECAUSE JESUS BORE THE CROSS FOR US, WE SHOULD BE WILLING TO TAKE IT UP FOR HIM.