Have you, like me, noticed how very popular the emblem of the cross is in jewelry and clothing? Both men and women wear crosses around their necks, fingers, waists, and wrists. Crosses adorn everything from shirts to mugs.
They are so popular in fact that some who sport the cross have no idea what it means. Customers, I’m told, ask for an item or jewelry with the letter “t” on it.
The cross has become fashionable whether or not it bears any meaning to the wearer.
What an illustration for us.
Because, what we proclaim on the outside may have very little to do with what’s on the inside. Regardless of what we hang on our outer person, it’s what adorns our hearts that matters.What we proclaim on the outside may have very little to do with what’s on the inside. Share on X
As we approach Good Friday, the cross feels especially meaningful.
The Apostle Peter, in 1 Peter 3:3-4, reminds us that adornment isn’t just skin deep. And although Peter addresses his words especially to the women in his audience, the need for true adornment pertains to us all.
Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel— rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God. (1 Peter 3:3-4 NJKV)
On the Friday before Easter Sunday, we will pause to remember the cruel death of a Sinless Savior upon a cross. It’s a good time to examine our adornment, to check if my outsides and insides are a true match.
Jesus willingly gave His life on the cross to redeem the hidden person within our hearts. You know, that person of whom we alone are aware. Who-I-Really-Am, the person only He sees and knows, is the one for whom He died. No amount of dressing up or touting of symbols on the outside changes the real me dwelling inside.
Not one of us is worthy of the redemption of Christ’s shed blood on the cross. And yet, His perfect and sacrificial love drove Him there, for the real me and the real you.
The cross and resurrection represent not only the greatest events in history, but also radical change. The cross offers a humble identification with the One who hung on its cruel wood.
“In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.” (Ephesians 1:7 NKJV)
What many see as a decoration, a sculpture, or a holiday on the calendar, was in reality a brutal punishment reserved for the foulest of sinners. Jesus, spotless and pure, willingly embraced the cross.
“And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.” (Philippians 2:8 NKJV)
But the cross also speaks to us of glorious hope.
The sacred truth of the cross undeservedly adorns one’s soul with inner transformation through the blood of Jesus Christ. The one submitted to its message rests in the knowledge of salvation purchased. Our entire being declares His triumph.
“Who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed.” (1 Peter 2:24 NKJV)
The sacred truth of the cross undeservedly adorns one’s soul with inner transformation through the blood of Jesus Christ Share on XJesus conquered death and sin on a crude wooden cross not made of gold or silver. He adorns hearts and lives with His forgiveness and grace. It is His invitation to us as we celebrate these days.
And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. (Colossians 2:13-14 NKJV)
Glorious victory over sin and death is the cross’ true adornment.
Sunday is coming.
Lyn McDiarmid
Hi Sylvia
Indeed Sunday is coming. Our favourite day of the year! My wife worked in a retail store a few years ago and an 18 year old fellow employee told her she really wanted a cross but she wanted one with the little man on it. It really hit home how many unreached young people there are in our sophisticated affluent North American world. On a happier note our 12 year old granddaughter is getting baptized this Easter Sunday so there will be joy and shouting on top of exuberant worship. Thanks for bringing us to the cross today. Happy Easter.
Sylvia Schroeder
Lyn, Such wonderful news about your granddaughter’s baptism!! We recently experienced the baptism of two of our granddaughters, and were so blessed to be there! Your story about your wife and the employee wanting the little man on the cross is just so sad. I’ve heard similar stories, and it breaks my heart to think how very unknown is the story of Jesus here in our own country. We need to be bold proclaimers. Happy Easter to you as well, and may we worship with certainty and exuberance! He is Risen!