Three Wooden Crosses

By Tim Childs

   Decades ago there were three large wooden crosses set up along the highway in various locations across the South.  For years now, these have served to remind travellers on their journey of God’s indescribable gift of a Savior so desperately needed to deliver us from our sins, (Matthew 1:21).
   Within three miles of this writer stands three wooden crosses. However, with the passing of time the view has become almost completely obstructed by the overgrowth of trees and bushes. Today very few make eye contact with these crosses and few know where they are located.
   “Out of sight - out of mind” is a familiar saying that carries the idea that something is easily forgotten or dismissed as unimportant if it is not in our direct view. Could God’s redeemed ever forget or dismiss the cross as being unimportant, outdated, or irrelevant in our lives, and for our time?
   So many worldly things compete for our attention and devotion. If we lose sight of the most valuable things (those which are spiritual and pertain to the kingdom of heaven), we will be shut out when Jesus comes. In Luke 14:15-24 Jesus taught and warned of this in his parable of the great supper.  Still today, most people don’t make time for God.  People are still honing their excuse-making skills. Through the centuries Jesus’ words still ring “That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper” (vs. 24).  Whatever worldly things that crop up to divert our attention from Christ, the cross, and his subsequent demands on our lives must be cleared away. It’s an on-going process.
   In the original language, the word translated “looking” in Hebrews 12:2 is defined by Thayer as “to turn the eyes away from other things and fix them on something.” In the context it has reference to Christ and his cross. Down the road, the cross, the greatest symbol of love, mercy and grace to ever be bestowed upon mankind is covered over by the symbol of neglect and indifference. Is the cross clearly in view each day as we make our pilgrimage?

- Tim Childs preaches for the Hillcrest Church of Christ in Baldwyn, MS.  He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://www.thelordsway.com/hillcrestms