The way of the cross 

The cross is the emblem of our faith. Someone might argue that the empty tomb should be the emblem. I disagree because Christianity's compelling distinctive is not that God is alive—many other world religions believe that—but that God died.

What other religion brags about the death of its leader? Such a notion is so scandalous that no earthly mind conceived it. This came from heaven. The cross is the balance beam of Christianity. Every excessive doctrine has strayed from its centrality. You're never safer than when clinging to the cross. Don't take it with you if you can't get something through the cross.

Some tend to avoid mentioning the cross. Their concern is that it might repel seekers. But Jesus seemed to see it differently: "And if I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw all men to Myself" (John 12:32). The cross has a gravity all its own. You don't have to defend the cross; just exalt the cross, and it will draw people to Jesus.

When you truly see the cross, it fills your screen. It is the elephant in the room. It's gripping, arresting, unavoidable and inescapable. When you see the cross, how can you continue your day? How do you get past the contorted nakedness, the wheezing, gasping lungs, the fire in His eyes or the flame in His heart? What do you do with a crucified God? Make your boast in the crucified Christ. The blood is our banner, and the shame is our glory. Make much of the cross! Speak much of what Thomas Dubay called "consummate splendour in monstrous horror."

We had a pretty lovely religion there for a while until the cross came along. The cross changed everything. It ripped the innards out. It came through like a tsunami and swept the place clean of propriety, dignity and modesty. You can't even have your clothes.

Now, nothing is safe. The cross demands everything. Love came along like a torrential river, caught up Christ in its mighty currents and carried Him to His death. If that same current grabs your legs, it'll sweep you to your death too. But losing your life, you'll find it.

What's Inside Will Come Out

If you want to see what's inside a man, nail him to a tree, and what's inside will come out. Jesus is known for saying seven things during the crucifixion. When they pierced Him, here's what came out:

Forgiveness: "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34). Jesus spoke these words while they drove nails in His hands.

Promise: "Truly, I tell you, today you will be with Me in Paradise" (Luke 23:43). Jesus spoke these words to the crucified thief who called on Him.

Compassion: "When Jesus saw His mother and the disciple whom He loved standing nearby, He said to His mother, 'Woman, here is your son.' Then He said to the disciple, 'Here is your mother.' From that time, this disciple took her to his own home" (John 19:26-27). Jesus appointed His mother's care.

Loyalty: "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?" (Matt. 27:46). In His darkest hour, He still called His Father "My God."

Longing: "I thirst" (John 19:28). Jesus longed for His Father.

Confidence: "It is finished" (John 19:30). The work of the cross had been accomplished.

Surrender: "Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit'" (Luke 23:46).

The presiding executioner was so stunned at what came out of this crucified Nazarene that he exclaimed, "Truly, this Man was the Son of God!" (Mark 15:39). Forgiveness, promise, compassion, loyalty, longing, confidence, surrender. These are the things I want coming out of me when I'm being crucified!