The Cross Speaks part 1 (Sunday notes)

Our Pastor's sermon this week has been on my mind since we walked out of the Worship center Sunday morning. It was entitled "The Cross Speaks" and is based on the seven statements Jesus made from the cross.

Because this is my on-line journal, I thought I would share the seven points and what God has been showing me about each one. Today, I want to share the first three statements and points.

Jesus spoke:

1. A Word of Intercession. Luke 23:34 Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing.

Once again, I'm struck by the personal nature of our Savior. Monday as I read back over my notes, I thought about how personal our God is. I KNOW there have been times Jesus has prayed "Father, forgive Stephanie for she doesn't even know what she's doing." He lives to intercede on our behalf. What a Savior we have. Hebrews 7 says "because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them."


2. A Word of Intervention. Luke 23:43 I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.

Three men. Beaten, bloody and beyond recognition. Two being punished for crimes or better said sins,they had committed, while one is being killed for those SAME sins PLUS each and every sin that would every be committed. Every vile thought, every murder, every lie....ALL of them. ALL of my sin.

But as one criminal hurled insults as Luke 23:39 says, the other one realizes that Jesus has done nothing wrong. He says in verse 42 "remember me when you come into your kingdom." Jesus then says "today you will be with me in paradise."

When Jesus intervenes it is an eternity changing intervention. I have often wondered what that man's face looked like the second he opened his eyes in Heaven and saw the face of Jesus. Could he even see him through the tears?

God has been reminding me to never minimize someone's intervention with Christ. Whether it's Salvation or what I call a turnaround (better known as a re dedication) how dare we act as if it's not a big deal!

3. A Word of Interest. John 19:26-27 When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, "Dear woman, here is your son," and to the disciple, "Here is your mother." From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.

Our pastor reminded us that in Luke the Holy Spirit had used Simeon to speak to Mary when Jesus was young. He told her (Luke 2:33-35) that "a sword will pierce your own soul too." I can't imagine the physical pain Jesus felt, but as a mother....I can not imagine the pain she felt that day. Simeon's words had come full circle hadn't they? But Jesus.

Jesus, even in this moment full of pain we can not fathom, was making provision for this woman. The woman whose world had been turned upside down by the birth of God wrapped in flesh just 33 years before. He made sure those closest to him were taken care of.

Jesus thinks highly of family, and today He has been prompting me to ask Him who around me needs to know the love of a family. Is it a child? A widow? The gentleman up the street whose wife died last August? Is it a single parent?

And more importantly, who has he put in my life that needs to hear right now. Today. At this very moment and the moment after that...Jesus loves you. He has always and will always love you.


Points 4 and 5 on Wednesday...
Blessings!
stephanie