Pastor Powell's Column

June 2009

The Empty Cross

Our world needs Hope today.

Amid rumors of war, economic collapse, climate upheaval, and imminent epidemic, our hearts yearn for a stable hope that can be relied on. Hope as an “anchor for the soul.”

Hung high of the wall as a central focus in our worship hall is a cross. An empty wooden cross.

How does this simple symbol speak to us?

The cross is central to Christian faith because Jesus’ death on the cross was God’s gracious gift to humankind. That sacrificial death made atonement with God by paying for humanity’s sin. Sinful rebellion against God our Creator has created a gap, a barrier that alienates us from God. So God took on human flesh and stepped into the gap in the person of Jesus the Messiah. He died in our place, bearing our sin, and so removed the death penalty from everyone who would believe in Him.But Jesus did not stay on the cross. His suffering is completed. When He had achieved that perfect atonement, he cried out “It is finished” (John 19:30). It was a cry of triumph, not of resignation. He does not need to suffer again, day after day. In God’s Word the Bible, chapters 9 and 10 of Hebrews teach clearly that he made “one sacrifice for all time for sin.” Nothing can be added or taken away.

So we look at that cross and our worshipful hearts are reminded of his dying love. But we note also that the cross is empty. A white cloth is draped across it. In the imagination of an artist, like Rubens (1613), such a cloth was used to assist Joseph of Arimethea when he obtained permission to remove the lifeless body of Jesus for burial. The cross is now empty . . . and so is the tomb!

We serve and follow a risen Savior, not a dead martyr. Jesus arose victorious over death. He lives to make the offer not only of reconciliation with God, but also of his own resurrection life. This living Savior communicates his resurrection life as a gracious gift to each person who will receive it by faith. Receiving this new life is like a new birth of hope.

We worship at the foot of an empty cross, grateful for the price there paid, but enjoying the spiritual fellowship with a living Lord who moves among us. His presence is real and powerful.

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a LIVING HOPE through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” 1 Peter 1:3-4

Are you experiencing that living hope today?