The Mountain and the Cross

My son kept saying “Mom, I’ve got to take you up the mountain to see the cross! It’s so beautiful up there!” The next day, we were up early (5:30 am) to take in the early morning sunrise! Indeed, the sun rose in all its glory, and the timing was perfect. It was well worth the climb to the top where this not-so-huge cross statute sits high above the Sea of Cortez.

Indeed, this would be a “peace zone” moment. I wanted to stay there. I wanted to be still and know my God. It was sacred. A mere cross statute. Certainly not a majestic, towering cross that caused our eyes to look up to remember He Who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our redemption. Just a simple cross on a quiet, mountaintop location.

I couldn’t help but be inspired — not to mention the sun’s rays touched me with a warmth that consumed me. There was nothing else at the top of this mountain. No signs that identified how, who or why the cross was placed there. No mention of the stone layer or the carpenter that made the cross. But, really, was an explanation necessary?

The cross — whether built as a towering structure or the cross I wear around my neck — no words are necessary. We know its meaning. We know its symbolism. We know THE ONE Who made the cross famous.

How can one symbol represent so many opposites? Death and life, hate and love, violence and peace, accusation and forgiveness, sin and purity, brokenness and wholeness, destruction and restoration, defeat and victory. Once the cruelest form of torture and execution, we now proudly wear the cross and it is seen in and on churches, steeples, walls, tables and mantels.

The climb to the top of the mountain caused me to re-examine what the Cross means to me — especially today – the Sunday before Palm Sunday which commences Holy Week. My son did a great job capturing the inspiration for me.

Someone told me years ago; the symbol of the Cross is simply the cancellation out of the letter “I”. When you put the minus sign over the letter ‘I”, you get the Cross. The crossing of the letter “I” describes the removal of me and places all of me on all of HIM. Jesus going to the Cross was the ultimate act of selflessness.

When He was on the cross, we were on His mind. Even to those who were violent and cruel towards Him, He called out to the Father to forgive them, because they didn’t know what they were doing. (Luke 23:34) There were no “poor me” or “why me” moments from Him. The Cross meant death for Him, but He cared more that the Cross would mean life for us.

Most of all, the cross is LOVE. Christ died for us. The cross was His love. “But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.” (Romans 5:8).

Yes, this was an inspirational moment for me — and, indeed I was inspired. So much so, this photo has been the header on my website for several years now. MyPeaceZone.com

I pray the Cross of Christ becomes more meaningful to you than ever before. After all, if you were the only one Jesus died for, you were worth it! That, my friends, is unlimited, unmerited favor. May we remember how blessed we are to have Him as our Brother and Lord!