A Holy Week Message on The Three Crosses: Cross of Rejection, Cross of Redemption & Ctross of Repentance

By: Nancy H. Abiera

“Then one of the criminals hanging there began to yell insults at Him (Jesus). “Aren’t You the Messiah? Save Yourself and us! ” But the other answered, rebuking him: “Don’t you even fear God, since you are undergoing the same punishment? We are punished justly, because we’re getting back what we deserve for the things we did, but this man has done nothing wrong.

”Then he said, “Jesus, remember me, when You come into Your kingdom! ”

And He said to him, “ I assure you: Today you will be with Me in paradise. ” Luke 23:39-43 **********

Holy Week is just around the corner. Imagine yourself being at Mt. Golgotha witnessing the crucifixion as if it is happening right now. You are in front of Jesus nailed in the middle called the “Cross of Redemption.” This is your chance to receive God’s perfect love offered to all mankind. To the left is the “Cross of Rejection” while to the right is the “Cross of Repentance”. These two crosses are the choices you have.

(Pause here for a moment and reflect. . . Have a pen and paper handy. Gather your thoughts and feelings while discerning any image or vision that would come up within you. Revisit your memories. Write things down (word, pictures, memories, etc.) Then ontinue reading. . .

Rewinding back when I was younger, the concept of the cross was something I did not fully understand. I knew that Jesus died for the sins of mankind but I did not understand that His suffering and death was for me. I had no clue that I was a sinner. In my mind, I did not commit any of the mortal sins and I regularly went to confessions. This kind of mindset led me to believe subconsciously more lies: I was not that bad; I had no need of a savior; and I was good enough. I continued my religious lifestyle for many, many years.

Later on, I learned that Jesus came and offered a relationship based on love and forgiveness for us to receive by faith. This is where most religious people (like me) have no clear understanding. Religion is about good works, rules and rituals: what we do and don’t do. We perform to earn the love of God. We make something simple complicated. Instead of just opening our hearts to receive Jesus’ free, unconditional love and unlimited forgiveness, we counter-offer to work for Him. Some of us have problems receiving without paying something back. Most probably felt the need to pay for His love through good works. Note that faith comes first and good works follow, not the reverse.

This religion-based life led me to many dead-end roads of frustrations and failures in relationships, marriage, family, career, finances, health, etc. I tried religiously all the self-help stuff which led me to lose myself, selfdestruct, and get “burnt-out.” I missed the point that God wanted me to be “fired-up” with Him and only for Him.

Finally, I came to my senses that being in relationship with God through Jesus is enough. This is the truth. Once we receive this love from Jesus, we begin to see God, ourselves and others differently. It was like switching from a black and white TV to a colored one. Jesus rescued me and gave me a new meaning to a life centered in Him. This made me realize that death to my “self-inspired ambitions” can give birth to the “Godinspired missions”. In other words, my selfishness and worldly thoughts, feelings and desires must be nailed to the cross. This way, my selflessness can line up with His Word contained in Scriptures.

I am guessing that some of you who are reading this are tired of the circus of life of going and going, yet feeling God is “nowhere”. Perhaps, you may know of someone you can help by sharing this reading. The truth is: God is “now here”! He is omnipresent. You are only a prayer away to gain the miracle of a love relationship with God vertically; with others horizontally forming a cross centered on Jesus. This will bring you to a new dimension of meaning, fulfillment and purpose in life no matter what circumstance or situation you are in. The following prayer is to dedicate yourself to receive a new life. For others, to re-affirm their commitment for a deeper relationship with God through Jesus.

(Please stop and take a few moments. Close your eyes and breath deeply from your belly. Quiet your mind from the stress and worry of daily life. Breath in and breath out slowly until you feel relaxed and the burdens lift off little by little until you feel lighter and lighter. Then open your eyes and your heart then say the following prayer:)

“Heavenly Father, I thank you for sending Your Son Jesus from heaven to earth to give me the unconditional love and unlimited forgiveness. Thank you Jesus for dying on the cross for me. I am exchanging now my life for Your life. You bore my illness in exchange for my wellness. You took poverty for my prosperity.

You gave me love I did not deserve. I ask now for your forgiveness for all the wrong things I have committed as sins, in thought, word and in deed, known and unknown.

(Pause for a few moments. Confess your sins to Him. Please be specific and leave all your problems, burdens and cares of life at the foot of Jesus. You may say your other personal prayers and petitions here should you desire. Then continue with the prayer.)

Thank you for cleansing my mind, heart, soul and spirit.

I give thanks to You for the gift of eternal life for me to live abundantly here on earth as it is in heaven. I now open my heart and invite Jesus as my Lord and Savior.

Lord Jesus, make my heart be Your dwelling place. Amen.

After you prayed the above prayer, you now have a new or renewed spirit that can commune/connect with the Spirit of the living God. In addition, you just became a member (or re-activated your membership) in the family of God. Your name is written in the Book of Life reserving you a place in heaven as you are waiting for the second coming of Jesus on earth. As you yield to the Holy Spirit, let Him complete the transformation process molding you to be restored to His image and likeness.

Your complete coverage includes Fire Insurance against Hell. Your destination is Heaven on a direct flight with no other stop-over elsewhere. This also includes Medical Insurance against sickness and disease. Jesus bore 39 stripes representing all 39 medical categories of illnesses. Jesus is your Provider, to supply all your needs financially, physically, emotionally, relationally and spiritually; etc. all inclusive. Pray Psalm 91.

You can claim your insurance policy above by executing/activating the POWERS within you below.

P. Pray – Thank Him. Praise/Worship Him. Ask Forgiveness and Forgive Others.
O. Obey God’s Word as you read, listen and meditate on the Bible. W. Witness and share to others God’s goodness in your life.
E. Encourage others to deepen their walk in faith with God.
R. Rely on the Holy Spirit directing your thoughts, words and decisions.
S. Share your time, talents and treasure to a Christ-centered church.##