Think About the Cross

One of the books I am working through right now is called In My Place Condemned He Stood (if you're looking for something to read, this would be a good choice). Last night I was reading and found a few quotes from Luther very helpful. Helpful because they served to focus my thoughts on the wonder of what Jesus accomplished on the cross. I've found that knowing and meditating on the cross of Christ is a very real help for life and a source of unparalleled joy and happiness. In the midst of dry worship, failing time in God's word, doubts of God's love, fear of falling away, bitterness, envy, longing for things I shouldn't want, selfishness, lack of love for others, worry, hopelessness, and desperation, knowing well and meditating on the cross of Christ is an effective remedy.

Commenting on Galatians 3:13 (a good verse to know) Luther says:

All the prophets did foresee in spirit, that Christ should become the greatest transgressor, murderer, adulterer, thief, rebel, blasphemer, etc., that ever was . . . for he being made a sacrifice, for the sins of the whole world, is not now an innocent person and without sins. . . . Our most merciful Father . . . sent his only Son into the world and laid upon him the sins of all men, saying: Be thou Peter that denier; Paul the persecutor, blasphemer and cruel oppressor; David that adulterer; that sinner which did eat the apple in Paradise; that thief which hanged upon the cross; and, briefly, be thou the person which hath committed the sins of all men; see therefore that thou pay and satisfy them. Here now cometh the law and saith: I find him a sinner . . . therefore let him die upon the cross.

A few passages we should all know well:
Romans 3:21-31; 2 Corinthians 5:11-21; Galatians 2:17-21

May hearts be filled with wonder at such grace.