August 13 Daily Devotional

28 Jul August 13 Daily Devotional

A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON PAUL’S LETTER TO THE COLOSSIANS

IN THE CROSS OF CHRIST YOU FIND PEACE

Colossians 1:19-20 “For God was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through His blood, shed on the cross.”

In the Roman world the cross was a symbol of shame and an instrument used for the capital punishment of the vilest of criminals.  That government used the cross as a means to put great fear into the hearts  of its citizens as a visible reminder of what would happen to them if they disobeyed the government or caused problems in society.  Crucifixion was one of the most gruesome ways to execute a criminal.

Isn’t it strange that the cross is a universal symbol of Christianity?  You will find crosses prominently displayed in places of worship, on the walls of Christian homes and worn around the necks of believers.  There is a hymn that begins with the words, “In the cross of Christ I glory . . .” (LSB 427) Why do Christians give such prominence to the cross?

St. Paul wrote, “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 . . . we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength. (1 Corinthians 1:18, 23-25)  Through Christ’s suffering and death on the cross, He made peace with God (He reconciled sinners to God) through His shed blood. (Colossians 1:20)

On Calvary’s cross Jesus suffered and died in your place in payment for your sins.  Have you noticed that most crosses are simply crosses.  No body is attached.  That is because though Jesus was crucified and died, He rose again.  The cross could not hold Him.  The grave in Joseph’s garden was unable to keep Him captive.  The cross and the grave are empty because Jesus defeated sin and death by the shedding of His blood and resurrection from the grave.  All of this He did for you.

By means of Calvary’s cross Jesus made peace between God and you.  God no longer counts your sins against you. “Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.  Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord does not count against them and in whose spirit is no deceit.”  (Psalm 32:1-2)

Prayer:  When I survey Your cross, dear Jesus, grant me peace through the assurance that You have paid in full my debt owed to Yahweh for my sins.  In Your holy name.  Amen.

In the cross of Christ I glory, Tow’ring o’er the wrecks of time.

All the light of sacred story Gathers round its head sublime.

When the woes of life o’ertake me, Hopes deceive, and fears annoy,

Never shall the cross forsake me; Lo, it glows with peace and joy.

When the sun of bliss is beaming Light and love upon my way,

From the cross the radiance streaming Adds more luster to the day.

Bane and blessing, pain and pleasure By the cross are sanctified;

Peace is there that knows no measure, Joys that through all time abide.

(LSB 427)