Christianity Oasis Forum

[cimi]

January 27
Monday


THE WONDER
OF THE CROSS

READ:
Hebrews 12:1-4
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[Look] unto Jesus, the
author and finisher of
our faith, who for the
joy that was set before
Him endured the cross.
__Hebrews 12:2
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While visiting Australia, I had the opportunity on a particularly clear night to see the Southern Hemisphere, this constellation is one of the most distinctive. Mariners and navigators began relying on it as early as the 15th century for direction and navigation through the seas. Although relatively small, it is visible throughout most of the year. The Southern Cross was so vivid on that dark night that even I could pick it out of the bundle of stars. It was truly a magnificent sight!

The Scriptures tell us of an even more magnificent cross__the cross of Christ. When we look at the stars, we see the handiwork of the Creator; but when we look at the cross, we see the Creator dying for His creation. Hebrews 12:2 calls us to "[look] unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."

The wonder of Calvary's cross is that while we were still in our sins, our Savior died for us (Rom. 5:8). Those who place their trust in christ are now reconciled to God, and he navigates them through life (2 Cor. 1:8-10).

Christ's sacrifice on the cross is the greatest of all wonders! __Bill Crowder

``````````````````````When I survey the wondrous cross``````````````````````
``````````````````````On which the Prince of glory died,`````````````````````
````````````````````````My richest gain I count but loss,`````````````````````
````````````````````And pour contempt on all my pride. __Watts``````````````
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Christ's cross provides the only
safe crossing into eternity.

****************************************Today's Bible Reading __ Hebrews 12:1-4*************************************

1 Therefore we also, since
we are surrounded by so
great a cloud of witnesses,
let us lay aside every
weight, and the sin which
so easily ensnares us, and
let us run with endurance
the race that is set before
us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the
author and finisher of our
faith, who for the joy that
was set before Him endured
the cross, despising the
shame, and has sat down at
the right hand of the throne
of God.

3 For consider Him who
endured such hostility from
sinners against Himself, lest
you become weary and
discouraged in your souls.

4 You have not yet resisted
to bloodshed, striving
against sin.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>INSIGHT<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

The writer of Hebrews paints a picture of an athletic competition,
using the metaphor of a long-distance foot race to exhort believers
to endure and persevere in the life of faith (vv.1-2). The apostle
Paul also often used the idea of the race to speak of the challenges
of living the Christian life (1 Cor. 9:24-27; Gal. 5:7); Phil. 3:13-14;
2 Tim. 4:7). The constant call is this: "Don't give up. Keep your eyes
on the finish line and finish the race!" The runner who completes
the will receive his reward (1 Cor. 9:25; 2 Tim. 4:8; 1 Peter 5:4;
Rev. 2:10).