The Half-Priced Cross

 

                                                          

The cross had been standing on a high point overlooking a part of the city below for as long as I could remember. Every day, people came and went, passing by on their way to wherever their busy lives were taking them. Sometimes, I too passed by and wondered why it stood there, isolated and seemingly disconnected from anything else in the landscape.

In recent years, I have come to understand the significance of its presence. A single cross was planted on that high hill by a gentleman who met Christ later in life. His past had been questionable at times, and this marked the beginning of his new life and acceptance of the finished work of Christ, accomplished in his life through the cross —a memorial to the One who had transformed his life forever. 

For passersby, he offered the cross as an opportunity to see it as more than a spiritual symbol. It was certainly more. He hoped the people passing by would come to understand that it represented the sacrifice Christ made to endure pain, agony, and isolation while dying upon it for the sins of the world. For those passing by, this man hoped that it would be more than familiar regalia that was found on all kinds of things these days, so much that it seemed to have lost its significance and powerful influence in the lives of passersby, as he had once been himself. The man hoped that others would stop and take notice of it, seeing it as more than a humdrum emblem that was everywhere but not honestly noticed for its meaning - a bridge from death to life that had changed him forever. This was his hope for the cross. 

Years later, around Christmas time, I received a beautiful decorative cross as a gift. I was delighted as I could now add it to my wall of crosses in my living room. I had quite a collection of them – all sizes, styles, and made with various materials. It was quite a showcase in my home, and I loved them all. While I was still admiring my gift, a member of our office staff approached me, so I showed off my new addition. I was caught a little off guard when this coworker simply, but directly, said, "I don't wear crosses or hang them on my walls." This was said in a tone that combined both seriousness and urgency. I'm sure I didn't hide the shock that was painted all over my face very well. Honestly, I was a bit puzzled. More accurately put, I was slightly judgmental at that moment. After all, this person was one of the most committed believers I had ever known. What was meant by refusing to wear a cross or hang one as decoration in the home? Again, I examined my way of thinking. What was the harm? Not fully understanding, I accepted the answer. I inwardly conceded that I might not be able to figure this one out.

Sometime later, in a jewelry store window, a sign was posted that read "Crosses – Half-Price."  For some reason, this sign was disturbing to me. It even seemed somewhat disrespectful. I had never considered that anyone, anywhere, would discount a cross of any kind.  Suddenly, the words, the tone, and the urgency returned to my mind. "I don't wear crosses or hang them on my walls." It was as clear as if I had heard it yesterday. I knew that this day's experience was meant for me and for all the other passersby who had either grown indifferent to or had never experienced at all the understanding of the costly work done on the cross. I realized that my thoughts about the immense value of the cross were not focused in the right direction. How had I become so complacent?  I, too, was guilty of discounting it. 

Although I still have the cross wall in my home, I have redefined its purpose. Now, each individual design complements the array of unique materials used and holds a renewed meaning. Each cross hanging is representative of people from all walks of life, including passersby, wanderers, and those who seem alone and isolated. All of whom need to understand that the cost of Jesus' work on the cross could and should never be discounted. God required the full payment, the highest premium possible, when He gave His Son, Jesus, to the world to die on a cross. Through His sacrifice, He abolished the ever-present destructive work of sin in our lives. It could never be just about the symbol; the cross was truly all about the Savior.

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

1 Corinthians 1:18