Tuesday, April 3, 2007
Galatians 6:14 But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.
BOAST IN THE CROSS
It is Holy Week 2007, and we do well to remember the holy and complete work of the Savior Jesus. No matter how busy our preparations for Easter, it is fitting that our thoughts first turn toward the cross of Jesus.
In the first century the cross was a symbol of death, a reminder of one of the cruelest forms of execution ever developed by men. There is little doubt that the symbol of the cross had a depth for early Christians that eludes us in an age of lit and gleaming golden crosses. Still, the cross is for us a source of both sorrow and joy. It causes sorrow in that it reminds us that Christ's death was made necessary by our sins. It also causes joy for through the cross we have been reconciled to God.
The Lenten season now begins to draw to its close. No doubt some who have "given up" things for Lent will begin to talk about their sacrifices. In some cases, no doubt, these well meant gestures will become a source of pride. Look what I have done!
Instead of directing us to our "sacrifices" the Apostle Paul directs us to the cross and sets the tone for Holy Week. God forbid that I should take pride or boast in anything, except the cross of Jesus Christ my Lord. The words of the hymn also echo Paul's words as a personal heartfelt prayer:
Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast
Save in the death of Christ, my God;
All the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to His blood.
[The Lutheran Hymnal, 175]
This is not the prayer of one who seeks to "give up something" for Lent and take pride in it. This is the prayer of one who would give all up, and consider all rubbish when compared to the Savior (Philippians 3:8 ff).
God forbid that I should glory: save in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.
In Him is salvation, life, and resurrection from the dead: by Him we are redeemed and set at liberty.
Psalm (67:1): God be merciful to us and bless us: and cause His face to shine upon us.
[The Lutheran Hymnal, Introit for Tuesday of Holy Week]
