Yesterday I preached on the Shadow of the Cross. In my last post, I mentioned there were 6 lessons from a book I planned to use during the sermon and then I was going to post here. I’d like to share three here and then three in the next post.
#1- The shadow of the cross teaches us who we are. The cross should and must humble us. Very few of us look at ourselves with humility. Instead, we compare and tell ourselves we aren’t really too bad. We need to rekindle the thoughts we had when we initially were saved-a sinner in need of and saved by grace.
#2- The shadow of the cross teaches us what we need. The cross teaches me I need inward change. I don’t need to change my circumstances, my lot in life, my place of living, or even a physical change. I need an inward, heart change. And here is the kicker: I am incapable of making this change happen on my own.
#3- The shadow of the cross teaches us who God is. Bluntly put: He is God and I am not. But it goes much deeper than that. The cross teaches me that God is unrelentingly merciful. The cross teaches me God is full of grace. The cross teaches me that He is the One who wants to be in charge and I am incapable of managing and running my own life. When God takes over ownership of my life, He wants to be the One in charge. He does not need a backseat driver telling Him what to do with my life.
The main ideas are from the book by Paul David Tripp entitled Journey to the Cross. The commentary is mine. As you think about the upcoming season of the cross and Resurrection Sunday I hope this helps put things in perspective. I will post the next three on Wednesday.
#2 is especially meaningful right about now, Bill …
I’m glad one of them strikes home to you Linda. I think we could all say an Amen to that though. I know there have been times I thought I needed a change of scenery or something different to happen. Nope. My heart needed changed.
I loved this “refresher” from Sunday’s sermon, Bill. The cross has so much to teach us, may our hearts be open to receive the lessons.
Blessings!
Thanks Martha. For mentioning the “refresher” and also for tuning in.