Dr. Sam Kannampally

Christians are often identified with the symbol of a cross. The cross reminds us of the redemptive work of Jesus Christ that was accomplished at Calvary. However, the history of the cross does not begin with Jesus Christ. Roman authorities used crosses in large scale executions of convicts well before Jesus' death. Death on a cross was the most cruel and painful sentence a convict could receive.

In the course of time the cross became a symbol of Christianity. The most painful tool for punishment and death became the symbol of eternal love and redemption. The most hated symbol became the most revered symbol. Just as a lowly donkey became the vehicle for the Lion of Judah, the cruel cross became the display board of God's love.

The cross of Calvary reminds me of the greatness of the divine love of Jesus. When I think of the cross today I consider its breadth. The love of Jesus Christ, which was poured out from the cross for all humanity, is flowing widely over all the earth. It transcends all barriers of race, nationality, sex and wealth. Jesus' love is for you, regardless of who you are. Jesus is proclaiming from the cross, "I love you."

When I think of the cross today I consider its length. It cannot be measured. It extends from eternity to eternity. Man made things have measurements. But how can we measure the love of God? The Bible says the love of God is beyond all wisdom. Once we were worthy of death, punishment and hell. But God who is eternal chose us even before the foundation of earth and sent His Son to die on the cross for our sins. He made us worthy of eternity. This divine love of God is beyond our comprehension.

When I think of the cross today I consider its height. I can see that it reaches the throne of God. I don't know where heaven is. But I know heaven is a place full of glory and joy. I don't know how far above heaven is. But I know that I can reach heaven through the cross. Jesus attracts everyone towards him through the cross. The only requirement is to believe in Him.

When I think of the cross I consider the depth of the love of Jesus displayed on the cross. It reaches the deepest places. Even if you fall into the dark pits and miry clay of sin and failure you are not beyond the reach of that divine love. God's love will lift you up even from the doors of hell. How deep is God's love? "O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God!" It is able to lift up a sinner from hell to God's glorious heaven.

When I survey the wondrous cross where my Lord died I realize the greatness of His love.

When I look unto the cross of Calvary I see the outstretched arms of my Lord. I see Him calling you and me to his side. Once I was lost. But now, because of the cross, I am found. Once I was living without any hope, sentenced to death. But now because of the cross I have hope for a glorious future. Today I call Jesus Christ my Lord and my savior. Do you have that assurance in your life? If not, will you believe in Jesus Christ and become a partaker of His love today?