The cross is desecrated
by the feet of forgetfulness. (1)
In the weeks after the explosion of the space shuttle Challenger and the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, church pews were filled with worshippers. Some came to mourn, some came for hope, many came for good news.
Yet it did not take long for the crowds to dissipate. I do not know a single pastor who was surprised by this quick reversal in worship attendance. We are use to it.
Christians rush to worship for Christmas, for Easter, for baptism, for confirmation, for marriage, and for death. Each time they come longing for the Good News of the Gospel, which is secured for us in the cross.
With equal speed they rush home, back to the world, and fail to return to the cross until the next crisis or holy-i-day.
I wonder how frequently God must sigh at our forgetfulness of His grace and His heart’s desire that we gather around the cross for worship.
Our stampede towards the cross and our ensuing absence from worship is a desecration of the cross and all of the grace, mercy, and hope it brings.
David said:
“I was glad when they said to me, let us go up to the house of the Lord!” (2)
Jesus said,
“Take up your cross and follow me!” (3)
Lord forgive me when I trust your grace, ignore your presence, and flee from your cross.
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Charles H. Spurgeon, Morning and Evening : Daily Readings, Complete and unabridged; New modern edition. (Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers, 2006).
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Psalm 122:1
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Matthew 16:24
Bread Crumbs - Devotions for Life 