Cross Words – How About a Game of Scrabble?
Cross Words – How About a Game of Scrabble? I’ll admit, this blog today came from seeing this “Cross-Words” graphic as I scrolled through images. That graphic spoke volumes to me so I added the Scrabble words to a cross. I saw those words and immediately I started thinking about a little game-play I’ve been indulging in during this time of isolation. I don’t typically take the time for such idle play, but when I saw an advertisement for a Scrabble play app, I conceded!
The Scrabble board game was one my husband and I often played together. I remember us making up a word to fit. The opposing player, if they didn’t believe it was an actual word, would grab Webster’s dictionary and reveal if it was a real word or not! Now, it’s easy to play online because it tells you right away if your word is actually a real one or not. Cha-ching! Oh, the joys of technology!
Speaking of “for real” words that matter are the words of Christ – you know, those red-letter ones in the Bible. He always packed-a-punch with anything He said. But none were more impactful than his last words spoken from the cross. You may have been with someone in their last hours of life and you have never forgotten those last words.
For every one of us, there will come a last meal, a last breath, and, perhaps, a last statement. In many ways, what we say in the end can be an insight into what we were in life, what we stood for, lived for. I’ve heard of many people who lived a life without Christ and their last words were of bitterness, hatred and despair. Their words were “cross” words – that represented a life of rejection, anger and hopelessness. But, oh what a difference for those Who know our risen Lord and Savior. They are at peace and you sense it in their calmness and in their words. Jesus uttered seven impactful phrases from the cross, but I’m most struck with these words: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do” (Luke 23:34). Those were the words of forgiveness for those who mistreated Him, lied about Him, rejected Him and were crucifying Him. Oh, Lord, may I daily offer prayers of grace and mercy as I forgive those who don’t know what they’re doing to me, and to others.
Jesus’ example of forgiving in the greatest, most profound way is a clarion call to us. If He could forgive, so can we. Since He was God in the form of man, He could have condemned His torturers or destroyed them with His breath. But, He didn’t. His words of forgiveness should be indelibly imprinted on our hearts! Those CROSS WORDS I choose to make my words. How about you?
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:31-32)