JESUS SPEAKING
“And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to myself.” This he said signifying by what death he would die. The people answered him, ‘We have heard from the law that the Christ remains forever; Then Jesus said to them, “A little while longer the light is with you. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you; he who walks in darkness does not know where he is going. While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light” (John 12: 32-36.)
INSPIRED THOUGHTS
While addressing his followers, Jesus prophesied concerning the manner in which he would die. He would be crucified, and the cross would come to symbolize healing, forgiveness and reconciliation with God. Those who look to it in faith receive everlasting life and the free gift of salvation; those who refuse to accept Christ’s sacrifice continue under condemnation, and will eventually face eternal judgment.
In the Old Testament, God lead the children of Israel out of slavery and bondage in Egypt. They passed through the Red sea unharmed, and they entered the desert. While in the desert many Hebrews rebelled against God and the authority of Moses. Angered by their arrogance, God sent poisonous snakes in to their midst to bite them. Moses fervently approached the Lord and begged Him to show mercy. Moved with compassion, God told Moses to sculpt a brass snake and to fasten it to a long pole; he was then told to raise the pole up in the middle of the camp so everyone could see it. The Israelites were instructed that if they looked upon the snake in faith, they would be healed from their venomous bites (simply put: look at the snake and you will live; refuse to look and you will die.) Jesus Christ was also lifted up on the cross for everyone to see; those who look to him in faith receive eternal life; those who refuse, experience judgment and eternal separation from God. Jesus said in John 3: 14-16, “And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him would not perish but have eternal life.”
The cross has always been a powerful symbol. It has the power to bring light in to the lives of those who walk in darkness. It has the power to heal and the power to reconcile sinful man with a pure and Holy God; it has the power to grant eternal life to those who would but look to it in faith. May you look upon the cross and receive the free gift of salvation. May you receive the blood of Christ and the forgiveness of sins. May you be ‘reborn’ and may God guide you as you travel toward his eternal kingdom.
“Lord Heavenly Father, we praise You for Your wonderful plan of salvation. As we look to the cross in faith, we receive Your sacrifice and we embrace our new lives with You. Forgive us our sins through the blood of Christ Jesus. Grant us eternal life. Heal our hearts and minds; help us to be ‘children of light;’ that others might see our good works and honor You. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, in Jesus Christ’s name, amen.” God bless all of you.
Jesus Speaks 