Why we gather around the cross! It is the place where God met us; it was there that God revealed Himself distinct from lofty gods that do not suffer. It was there that we heard Him declare our forgiveness. It is the place where our King was revealed; not ours only, but the true King of the whole world. It is the place where we lose our life and find it again; it is the place that in losing we win. It is there that we find, “in our dying we live”. It was this instrument of our death that Jesus said that we must take up and die as He had done. It is there that we participate with Him in His suffering; it is where He enters our suffering. Never leave this gathering at the cross. It defines us; it frees us, It breaks us; it makes us.
And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. (Luke 9:23 ESV)
{From the NEW devotional book, “Sonlight for the Soul” by H. Lamar Smith, your devotional book for 2023. Available on Amazon, or contact me by email or private message for discounted quantity prices for gifts.} Thanks to all of those who have already ordered copies for gift giving.
