The Cross Still Shines

For Christians, the Cross is a symbol of life. It is the symbol we wear around our necks as jewelry to adorn, on our ears to beautify and even hang on our walls to remind us. We sport the cross on our cars, on clothing, and ball caps. We look for this sign in the skies as clouds form shapes,

There is something so peaceful and calming about the cross, while at the same time a true reminder of the way Christians got their start. The cross shines light on the way Jesus loves the world and why we need to pick up our cross and follow Him.

Eight years ago this text became real to me. Following my baby brother's death, I was asked to read a Scripture passage at his memorial service. Now, if you knew my brother you would be familiar with his story - a true prodigal - who once was lost and then was found. Mark's story is testimony to the power of the cross.

I used my brother's Bible to read text which was marked on the pages that were found open. I could see Mark in the words of one of the thieves hanging next to Jesus. The criminal who rebuked his counterpart with the words, "We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve."

I know that my brother was greeted by Jesus with, "today you will be with me in paradise." There is peace in these words, there is hope in these words, but mostly there is love.


Luke 23:32-43

Lost and Found Department

Luke 23:42-43 (NIV) Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom."  Jesus answered him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise."

Often when I prepare to write the blog post for Daily Bible Blast I will open my Bible to the passages selected for the day and see that I have notes and or dates written in the margins.  Luke 23:35-43 contains the remark, "Read at Mark's memorial, 4/1/08."  Mark was my younger brother, a prodigal son like many of us, who ran away from home but returned. He was a missing son who was found.

We hear these words read as Good Friday approaches.  We read them, nod in our heads that we heard them, but unless we have experienced them, they quickly fade. I am learning that Scripture really is 'living and active' (Hebrews 4:12).  Reading God's Word is one thing, breathing it in, is another. We may go for years reading the Words of God, we may memorize and recognize verses when they are read, but until we experience them for ourselves, put them in our hearts, we won't identify like we could.

The wise criminal hanging next to Jesus understood Jesus didn't deserve the punishment mete out, while the two of them did; like we do. The story of the compassion and love Jesus gave this New Believer is still told today, more than 2000 years later.

The effects of this one act of kindness wrapped up in forgiveness and a beautiful invitation to "be with me in paradise," is the real Good News our world needs.  It is the Good News each one of us can believe. "For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found." (Luke 15:24)

Luke 23:32-43