Thank You for the Cross

Dear friends

As I write these words, we have just had a blessed Maundy Thursday Service at our church (the service included communion, hand-washing, anointing with holy oil, and tenebrae readings). Many thanks to those who helped with the preparations and the running of the service, and thanks too to everyone who came. I was proud of my two children who sat quietly through the service tonight – they were the youngest worshipers!

I would like to invite you to observe Good Friday with us tomorrow at St Christophers at 3.00PM as we delve deeper into God’s love for us through His great sacrifice. I also invite you to share in our celebration of Jesus’ resurrection this Sunday. We will have two services available at regular times (9AM and 11AM), with morning tea between the services. Invite your friends and family to join you at St Christophers – they will be glad you did!

A brief reflection

Even though He is God, going to the cross was not easy for Jesus. When He lived on Earth, He faced the same temptations we do and even asked God to ‘take this cup of suffering away’ (Luke 22:42a) before He was betrayed and arrested. But we can find strength in His last words in that prayer: ‘Yet I want Your will to be done, not mine.’ (Luke 22:42b). Jesus knew that He had to go to the cross so our sins would be paid in full. He loved us enough even in that moment to move forward in the plan God had for Him. As a result of His faithfulness, we can live in the free gift of His grace, which is given to anyone who believes in Him (Romans 3:22 & 3:36). When I think of the sacrifice He made for us on the cross, I am reminded of the song ‘Thank You for the Cross’ by Matt Redman. The song captures the wonderment I often have at why Jesus chose to suffer and die for sinful and undeserving humanity and then it bursts into thankfulness and praise for such a great demonstration of love.

Jesus Christ, I think upon your sacrifice;
You became nothing, poured out to death.
Many times I’ve wondered at Your gift of life,
and I’m in that place once again,
I’m in that place once again.

And once again I look upon the cross where You died.
I’m humbled by Your mercy and I’m broken inside.
Once again I thank You,
once again I pour out my life.

Jesus’ death on the cross was the final, full payment for our sins. He went through agony for us, and this Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday, let’s remember His strength and sacrifice with grateful hearts.

In Christ

Deo

‘When Christ died, He died for you individually just as much as if you'd been the only person in the world.’ – C S Lewis