The Cross
So, what’s the big deal about the Cross of Jesus Christ? I’ll tell a true story, and then make a quick application. After all, I really am a preacher!
Solomon Rosenberg & his family were arrested & placed in a Nazi labor camp. The rules were simple. “As long as you can do your work, you are permitted to live. When you become too weak to do your work, then you will be exterminated.” Rosenberg watched as his mother & father were unable to sufficiently produce work, and were marched off to their deaths. He feared that next would be his youngest son, David, because David was a frail child who tired easily.
Every evening Rosenberg came back into the barracks after his hours of labor & searched for the faces of his family. When he found them they would huddle together, embrace one another, & thank God for another day of life.
One day Rosenberg returned to find his family gone. He finally discovered his oldest son, Joshua, huddled in a corner and weeping. He said, “Josh, tell me it’s not true.” Joshua turned & said, “It is true, poppa. Today David was not strong enough to do his work. So they came for him.”
“But where is your mother?” asked Mr. Rosenberg. “Oh poppa,” he said, “When they came for David, he was afraid & he cried. Momma said, ‘There is nothing to be afraid of, David.’ She took his hand & went with him.”
My understanding of Biblical Christianity is pretty basic. All are sinners, by nature and by choice. Thus, we are separated from a perfect and holy God. The dilemma is that no man can access God by his own efforts. But God, in His love, bridged the separation by reaching down for us. This was initiated when He became flesh in the person of Jesus Christ, and completed when this perfect god/man died upon a cross.
Like mother Rosenberg, He took our hand and went with us into death. And, being God, He alone continues to hold onto our hand and guide us into eternal life.
And, such is the message of the Cross.
11.17.05 (7:24 pm) [
edit]
posted by:
14u2nv2 (
reply)
post date:
11.17.05 (4:31 pm)
Perfect story..you know though..I've wondered (now that the threat of social security being done away w/etc) if it will once again come to that in the end days.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
11.17.05 (4:43 pm)
Reply to: 14u2nv2
Well, certainly a different application, but worthy of consideration. The pre-born child is considered expendable. Perhaps a majority of our culture believe a terminally ill person is no longer of value. So, I can see a moral (immoral?) direction. If a person is considered to be a drag upon society, should we not encourage the quick termination of that life?
Thanks for your insight.
posted by:
14u2nv2 (
reply)
post date:
11.17.05 (5:21 pm)
Reply to: PastorDave
Could be true..never know..
posted by:
sweetsue (
reply)
post date:
11.17.05 (5:30 pm)
That is truly a touching story..and after reading your comment and 14's...it does make me wonder in this age where people are living so much longer than expected,just what the future will hold for those that are old,weak and frail...thank you Pastor for sharing this...gives me food for thought.
posted by:
LadyG (
reply)
post date:
11.17.05 (7:26 pm)
Such a loving example of a true and loving God.
posted by:
preceptlady (
reply)
post date:
11.18.05 (3:00 pm)
excellent story...excellent point...
Keep on preaching....
posted by:
surrogate (
reply)
post date:
11.19.05 (4:43 am)
Nice... I'm bothered by the fact that too many "Christians" would think that those two would have "gone to hell" anyway, since they weren't "saved" but of another faith.
posted by:
mitchdolittle (
reply)
post date:
11.20.05 (1:02 am)
Beautiful, I was touched deeply by your example of love.
peace
mitch
posted by:
newbie (
reply)
post date:
11.20.05 (7:40 am)
Reply to: sweetsue
Human beings are uniquely made in the image of God, according to the scriptures. We need to encourage a culture which values life,especially the most vulnerable. Thanks for your comments.
posted by:
newbie (
reply)
post date:
11.20.05 (7:42 am)
Reply to: LadyG
God does not prevent many of the hardships of life, but He is there with us. Thanks for reading and for your thoughtful comment.
posted by:
newbie (
reply)
post date:
11.20.05 (7:43 am)
Reply to: preceptlady
Thanks. I'm glad you are back hanging around with us t-bloggers.
posted by:
newbie (
reply)
post date:
11.20.05 (7:44 am)
Reply to: surrogate
Good thought. The point of the account is to illustrate God's love for us when life is very difficult, and to give a picture of the incarnation of Christ.
What you mention needs to be addressed. Perhaps soon.
