Day 28 - That Beautiful Cross

Name:  Dennis Nichols (faculty)

Scripture:

“…but all the broken and dislocated pieces of the universe…get properly fixed and fit together in vibrant harmonies, all because of his death, his blood that poured down from the cross.” (Col 1:20 MSG)

Reflections:

I grew up in the church, yet one precious lesson I learned literally happened on top of the church. I was 15, it was an all-church work day, and the wooden cross on top of our sanctuary needed repainting.  With bucket in hand, and knees trembling, I climbed the twenty-five feet up to do my part in beautifying the fading cross.

Straddling the peak I proceeded to paint the inside portion first; it was the easiest to reach, of course. But then I came to the outside portion that faced the street.  Reaching around the painted surface, and clinging for dear life, I ended up covered with the stain of cross on my shirt, face, arms, pants: whatever part of me had touched  the cross was marked by its image.

I laugh about it still, wondering why my dad ever let me up there to begin with. I was willing to beautify the cross, but instead I was covered in it.  Maybe that’s how it works anyway, honestly.

I still desire to cling to the cross, so to speak, but how to do so these days, isn’t always as clear.

Lent reminds me that I can only receive from his completed work. Its beauty  transforms me.

Prayer for the Day:

Come to me Lord Jesus once again. Make known the beauty of your work; mark me from head to toe--all my thoughts, actions, and intentions--with your covering of saving grace and daily renewal.