Ephesians 5: 15-17 says look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. God has called us not to change the times but to do what is beneficial within the times because every day or season comes with its own challenges. Sadly in our generation the symbols of faith mean nothing to us except as paraphernalia for fashion, association or aggrandizement.
Biblical scholars opine that Paul wrote to the people of faith in Ephesus around A.D. 60-62 when he was believed to be under house arrest in Rome but had freedom to teach the gospel as recorded in Acts 28: 16-31. Paul specifically wrote to members of the faith who had knowledge of God to encourage them to withstand the powers of evil.
Paul inspired the Ephesians to exhibit Christ in their new lives rather than what the outside world believed of them. They were to give meaning and effect to the death and resurrection of Christ Jesus on the cross rather than mere association or claims of an association with the church. Paul wanted them to revere the cross as a reminder of the works of Christ on the cross for them.
Origin of the cross
Constantine, a Roman Emperor and a convert of Christ Jesus from paganism to Christianity introduced the cross together with the trinity to Christianity. To the Christians, it became a symbol of Christ’s salvation by his death; redemption; atonement; suffering and faith for his believers. The Romans and the Greeks copied these from ancient Egyptians.
To the Roman authorities, the cross was used for punishment, crucifixion and death for grievous offenses against the empire or society, hence the crucifixion of the two robbers with Jesus Christ. It was therefore for capital punishment as death penalty. It became a symbol for public mockery, vengeance and humiliation. It was to serve as a deterrent publicly to would-be felons.
Prior to these, the cross originated from early pagan religious symbols dating back to the Assyrians and Babylonians and Persians well between the 3rd and 6th century BC. It was introduced throughout Europe and Western Asia where the effigy of a man hanging on a cross was set up in the fields to protect their crops. Alexander the Great then brought it to the eastern Mediterranean in the 4th century and the Phoenicians introduced it to Rome in the 3rd century BC. If to the pagans the cross was to drive away their threat of nuisance, then to Christians it reminds us of Christ’s victory over death for us.
Christ’s victory on the cross
Throughout history, pagan festivities and symbols have successfully been defeated to the glory and honour of our Lord Jesus Christ. Examples include Christmas, the relevance of palm branches on palm Sunday, worship on Sunday, the symbol of the cross, and many more which we will continue to conquer because of Christ. With Christ, all things are possible.
What does the cross mean to us today in our personal lives? Have we raised Christ Jesus to a level in our lives to placate our sins which have taken dominion of us? If the heathen had a way of driving away what they perceived as nuisance, we can do better by faith in Christ Jesus who is above all.
Christ Jesus was not lifted up on the cross for fun or by mere coincidence but for a divine reason, to disperse our darkness and woes so we would fruit better spiritually to God’s glory and honour. John 12: 32 says and I, when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw all men to myself. He was lifted up when he hanged on the cross, hence when he had finished the battle for our souls, he said in John 19: 30, it is finished. On the cross, Christ Jesus concluded his covenant with God for our redemption.
When Christ Jesus was lifted on the cross, he was lifted above all in fulfillment of scripture. John 3: 31 says he who comes from above is above all. Ephesians 4: 10 says he who descended is he who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things. Christ Jesus must be lifted up in our lives by our words, deeds, in our minds and hearts as we perceive the cross.
On the cross, Christ Jesus bore our shame and iniquities. Hebrews 8: 12 says for I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more. The power in his name was sealed with his blood forever on the cross. Philippians 2:10 also says that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
The works of Jesus Christ on the cross must be our reminder whenever we see or hear of the cross and in particular his words of salvation. Mark 13:31 says heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. We are in the season to accept and confess Jesus Christ as Lord. We must vacate our sins and immorality and return to Jesus Christ. Hebrews 3: 15 says today, when you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.
Christ Jesus changed the season of sin to everlasting redemption over two thousand years ago and this new season is fast grinding t o a close. Daniel 2: 22 says He (God) changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding; he reveals deep and mysterious things; he knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with him. When will we respect the symbol of the cross?
For how long will we disrespect Christ Jesus when we disrespect the cross in any way? It is not to be worshipped as a symbol but a constant reminder of who Jesus is and what he did for us and how he did it in perfection with God’s approval. We must not engage in sin in the presence of any symbol of faith including the cross. Let God be merciful and redeem us by the blood of Jesus Christ.
Prayer
Dear Lord Jesus Christ, we have sadly lost sight of the relevance of the cross on which you died for us. We now remember the shame, torture, death and resurrection you faced because of your love for us. We have grieved your heart and we are sorry. Mercifully hear our cry today and cleanse us in your immaculate blood which you shed for all mankind. Clothe us in righteousness in your holy name, Amen!
