On a visit to Antwerp Cathedral in Belgium, I was struck by one of its sculptures called The Man Who Bears the Cross. Made of polished bronze, a man wearing a trench coat and glasses gazes up at a large cross he balances in one hand.
I was negative toward the piece at first. The man balanced the cross effortlessly, as if performing a circus trick, which seemed flippant for such a weighty symbol of our faith. But further research helped me see it differently. According to the church official who commissioned it, the sculpture represented what they invited every visitor of the cathedral to do: to take the cross in his or her hands and contemplate it, so that they might find “a goal and a meaning” for their lives.
When the apostle Peter wanted to inspire godly living (1 Peter 2:1–2), he too held out the cross for contemplation. Look at Jesus’ death, he says, where He bore your sins and offered you healing and forgiveness (v. 24). See how Jesus suffered for doing good, giving you an example to follow (vv. 20–22). Contemplate the One who hung on that cross; you’ll see the ultimate Leader for your life (v. 25).
So, let’s hold up the cross. Gaze at it deeply. The love it reveals is our goal. The One who rose from it gives our life meaning. Sheridan Voysey
How will you contemplate Christ’s death for you today? Imagine Jesus had never lived, died, and risen again. How would your life be different?
Forgiveness of sins, healing of life, meaning, purpose, and love for eternity. Thank You for what You did on the cross, Jesus. My life is Yours.
1 Peter 2:21–25
21 For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps.
22 He never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone. 23 He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly. 24 He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed. 25 Once you were like sheep who wandered away. But now you have turned to your Shepherd, the Guardian of your souls.
1 Peter 2:21
Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps.
