Three Crosses
Tuesday, 11 November 2008 21:37 Dan McKibben
While traveling to Washington, D.C., we saw about 10-12 different places along the road, on hillsides, with three crosses erected. Of course, this is to remind folks about the three crosses at Calvary. In truth those three crosses in the actual biblical event symbolize and teach three things for us.A Cross of Rebellion: On one of the crosses next to the Lord was a rebellious sinner, punished justly for his wrongs. Proudly and arrogantly, he railed and blasphemed the Lord. "And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us" (Luke 23:39). This man symbolizes humanity in general, rebellious and sinful, he can only think of saving his neck, not his soul, carnally minded unto the end.
A Cross of Repentance: Now the other thief joined in the railing for a time. But as the seriousness and gravity of the situation began to sink in, he repented, "But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God - seeing thou art in the same condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom" (Luke 23:40-42). He accepted the responsibility of his sin, and humbled himself before the Lord. Jesus extended mercy.
A Cross of Redemption: The cross of Jesus speaks to us of God's grace, God's love, and God's mercy. The sinless Son of God suffered and died for our sins and transgressions. "But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed" (Isaiah 53:5). In this cross we see divine justice. “Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God, To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus" (Romans 3:26). Have you turned in repentance to the cross of Christ?