03/30/2024
The WEIGHT and the WAIT of the Cross!
It is difficult to differentiate between the sound of the words WEIGHT and WAIT, when spoken. It is only when it is used as an identifying clarification, that the true meaning of the words are understood. Jesus, our high priest, was the only one who understood the WEIGHT of the cross and what it meant to a world of lost and dying souls. Jesus, who knew no sin, not only took upon himself to bear ALL sin, but even became the very sin that God despised, hated, and could not tolerate . He also understood the WAIT of the cross as He positioned himself for those final hours.
It is written that a French architect, Charoles Rohauld de Fleury, determined that the physical weight of the cross was 165 pounds. It was not a massive structure of two pieces of wood, of which Jesus could not have carried the cross by himself. In fact, John’s gospel states that Jesus carried His cross. The WEIGHT of the cross was not measured by how physically heavy those two pieces of wood were, nor in Jesus’s inability to carry it. His physical condition was never the problem. I know we see Jesus as this beaten, bloodied, whipped, defeated specimen of a man, struggling every step of the way. I submit to you that He who turned water into wine, who fed the multitudes, who healed the sick and raised the dead, could have summoned angels to do the light work of transporting a 165 pound cross of wood, if that was the case. No, it was more than that.
It was not the weight of the wooden cross that became unbearable, but it was the WEIGHT of the one bearing the cross. Jesus became that WEIGHT/ that sin being nailed to the cross. My sin, your sin, all of our sins, past, present and future. The weight of the hypocrisy of those who shouted “Hosanna” one minute and “Crucify Him” the next, the users who only followed Him because of what He could do for them, the liars who followed Him and still doubted and spread false rumors, the betrayal of those who swore that they were His greatest supporters, the disappointments, the pain, the humiliation, the desertion of even His disciples, the self righteous pharisees, and the list is endless. He took it all upon Himself so that we would not have to!
The significance or the relevance of the cross was not a one time main attraction event, and never thought of again. But instead, knowing what He did for each of us, should continuously draw us back to the cross and remind us of why Jesus did it for us! Oh, the victory, the deliverance, the healing, the freedom, the relationship, the salvation, the justification, the sanctification and the pledge of our glorification that was/is extended to each of us. No matter what we were/are guilty of, Christ died for all. (Isaiah 53: 5-12)
The WAIT of the cross could only take place when the one hanging on the cross, decided that the time was right, the condition was right and that He could triumphantly proclaim across the heavens and the earth that “It is Finished”! ( Romans 5:6). Jesus (the WEIGHT) hung there from the 3rd to the 9th hour until all things came into alignment, pointing to the very hour, minute and second that He would hang his head in the locks of His shoulder and close His eyes one final time. No one took His life, but He gave it as a ransom to secure our freedom from the sentence of death, the grave and hell.
There was no power greater than God’s Love for us that kept Jesus on the cross (John 3:16). Can you fathom His love for you, and His willingness to take the punishment of death, not for His sins, but for yours? I was destined for Hell, but Jesus took my place. He even took your place! I invite you to tell someone about the The WEIGHT and the WAIT of the cross, as we remember the greatest sacrifice ever given to man. (John 15:13). Today is a GOOD FRIDAY! SUNDAY IS COMING! Shalom!
Father, we thank you for loving us so much that you sent the only solution to destroy the plan to eternally separate us from you. It is your unconditional love that has called us to seek after you, and to surrender our lives to you. We cannot forget the sacrifice that Jesus made, and are forever grateful that we have access to you because of the finished work of the cross. Use us to compel all to choose life, and to live it as you have planned and purposed for each of us! (Jer. 29:11/John 10:28-30). In Jesus’ name. Amen!
