God's Cross

"But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation...and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity. And He came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near." Ephesians 2:13-17 (NKJV)

In the previous post, "God's Sign" I found the Cross.  The word dates back before the 12^th century and comes from Middle English, from Old English, from Old Norse or Old Irish; Old Norse kross, from Old Irish cros, from Latin cruc-, crux.

¹cross 1 a : a structure consisting of an upright with a transverse beam used especially by the ancient Romans for execution b often capitalized : the cross on which Jesus was crucified
2 a : CRUCIFIXION b : an affliction that tries one's virtue, steadfastness, or patience
3 : a cruciform sign made to invoke the blessing of Christ especially by touching the forehead, breast, and shoulders
4 a : a device composed of an upright bar traversed by a horizontal one; specifically : one used as a Christian symbol b capitalized : the Christian religion

Right there with the first definition, God’s Orchestra pointed me to Jesus!  That’s what He was saying, “show them the signs.”  They all point to Jesus.  Take the time and look for them and share them with others.

"The Lord gave the word; great was the company of those who proclaimed it:" Psalm 68:11 (NKJV)

God's Sign

"Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool."  Isaiah 1:18 (NIV)

In the post titled "His Design" I continued to define God's Orchestra using Merriam-Webster's Dictionary. From the definition of 'design' I could see the emphasis on the word sign. When I replaced 'design' with 'sign' God’s Orchestra became God's Sign. 

This revelation reinforces the my very first notion that God's Orchestra is all around us.  The people in our lives; every conversation we have; the books we read; the songs we sing; every action we take; they are all individual notes within God’s Orchestra.  Your body is your instrument; your life is your opus. “...for in Him we live and move and have our being...” Acts 17:28 (NKJV)

The word sign dates back to the 13^th century and has it’s etymology in Middle English, from Middle French signer; from Latin signare to mark, sign, seal, from signum. 

sign 1 a : CROSS 2 b : to place a sign on c : to represent or indicate by a sign
2 a : to affix a signature to : ratify or attest by hand or seal <sign a bill into law> <the prisoner signed a confession> b : to assign or convey formally <signed over his property to his brother> c : to write down (one's name)
3 : to communicate by making a sign or by sign language
4 : to engage or hire by securing the signature of on a contract of employment -- often used with up or on
intransitive senses
1 : to write one's name in token of assent, responsibility, or obligation
2 a : to make a sign or signal b : to use sign language
- sign·ee /"sI-'nE/ noun
- sign·er /'sI-n&r/ noun

And the very first entry for sign was 'cross'.  Before I went to look up the definition of cross, I knew what I would find.  WOW!  Right there in the Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary, God’s Orchestra pointed me to the Cross.   Replacing 'sign' with 'cross' I now have God’s Cross! 

"For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." 1 Corinthians 1:18 (NIV)

Read Between The Lines

"...looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls." - Hebrews 12:2-3 (NKJV)

Have you ever felt cold with the sun on your face?

Ever feel alone in a crowded place?

The pain inside,

You never fully can hide.

The past is always there

To haunt without a care...

Have you ever felt as though no one understood you?  As if you were all alone in a situation?  Perhaps the circumstances of life have left you feeling like no one has your back.  When you feel this way what are you focusing on?  Are you dwelling on your problems, stressors and worries? Or, are you able to change your perspective and view your situation differently?

We have all felt lonely at one point or another, but none of us have ever felt as lonely as Jesus must have felt on the cross the night He freely gave His life for us.  Feeling forsaken by His Father, the profound loss He experienced was expressed in agony as He cried out, "My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?"(Matthew 27:46).

If He freely remained on the cross for you and I, despite the loneliness, loss, betrayal, hurt and confusion then we should be able to look to Him when our emotions run parallel.   Remember where to keep your focus when you are feeling lonely, for it is in the midst of your circumstances that you find Jesus and realize you were never alone.

He is Risen!

"He is not here; for He is risen, as He said." Matthew 28:6  

This is the cornerstone to our faith.  

Jesus was crucified on a cross, buried in a tomb and rose on the third day. 

Jesus is the lead instrument in God's Orchestra, so to speak.   It is through His sacrifice that we are all afforded eternal life.  

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."  John 3:16