The Big Picture

When we see the whole story of the cross we can truly be grateful.

When we look at it one sided we miss out. One side is just sin; dark, depressing, filthy sin. Then when you look at the other side all you see is Jesus. Yay Jesus! And he really is great, don’t get me wrong.

But when you pull back to see the whole thing, you see a gruesome picture of your sin and Jesus in an earth shattering collision. You see “Yay Jesus” taking on all of your dark and filthy sins. Then you realize just how dirty your sins show up on white.

When you turn the page you see only darkness. You can’t wrap your mind around it. Your heart starts to drop and you find yourself on your knees. How could this be? I thought he was our hope… but now he’s gone. The realization that your sin has consequences and that someone else had to pay for them just doesn't make sense. It’s a realization that weighs too heavy on your shoulders to stand again.

          But the next page turns itself.

You’re no longer looking at your sin, but Jesus. He’s different. If possible, he’s more pure, even lovelier than before. He's more powerful, majestic and bearing new scars. And while you’re bawling like a big baby he leans down and tips your chin to meet his eyes. He takes your trembling, clean hands into his pierced ones and says,  "My child, it is finished.”

Hallelujah, what a Savior!