Inspirational Message
Inspirational Message: The Power of the Cross
Jesus Christ shed His blood for the redemption of humanity. We think of Jesus Christ as our intercessor and that He mediates on our behalf before God the Father. Recognition of our sins can create guilt and the need to be forgiven. As we read the scriptures we learn that Jesus Christ gave Himself as the sacrificial offering, once and for all, for our sins. In the beginning of Hebrews 9, the author discusses the worship practices God ordained such as giving the Israelites instructions for building the Tabernacle which traveled with them as they journeyed to the Promised Land. Christ did not take the blood of goats and bulls to offer as the sacrifice; He took His own blood and obtained eternal salvation for us. He became the perfect sacrifice to God. His blood purified our lives from useless rituals so that we may serve God in an acceptable manner.
Christ has come to us as the High Priest; the tent in which He serves is greater and perfect. It is not made by human hands, nor is it a part of this created world. With one sacrificial death on the cross for our sins, we have an offering that is effective forever. Read Hebrews 10:5-7 to learn what Christ said to God before He came to earth as a human body. By Verse 9, Christ offers himself as the sacrifice. Because of His obedience, we are all purified from sin by the offering that He made of His own body once and for all! One main problem was that no animals could have cleansed anyone so Jesus Christ came as the perfect offering for sin (Hebrew 9:11-14) because only Christ was without spot or blemish. He was, and still is, perfect without sin.
What does the cross represent in our lives? Only faith in Jesus, who died on the cross, redeems us from sin. The cross symbolizes what He has done for us. Hebrews reminds us with several positive examples of our responsibilities to encourage each other and help each other to overcome our weaknesses and determine whether our examples make it easier for others to believe and follow Jesus Christ!
How can we drop the weight of sin in our lives? We may feel so much better when we lay our burdens down at Jesus’ feet. As believers we must free ourselves from sin through faith in Jesus’ resurrection from the grave. How can we commit ourselves to live through the power of Jesus Christ?
One favorable direction is to choose friends who are committed to Christ. Friends with negative values can influence us in wrong ways. Reconsider our activities that may hinder spiritual growth. Repent and reposition ourselves to receive God’s help. In other words, try to be in godly places where godly activities can be engaged! By all means, avoid trouble.
These scriptures reveal the tremendous love Jesus has for His people. He willingly paid the ultimate sacrifice for the sins of the world. Let us continue studying His word and spiritually learn to follow Jesus Christ, the Supreme Servant!
Mrs. Gladys R. McElmore, a resident of Norfolk’s Middle Town Arch Community, is a New Journal and Guide Freelance Contributor on religion. She is a native of Essex County, Va.
