Hi, I’m Joni Eareckson Tada and I’d like to share with you a story today about the cross. Before I do, though, let me share this worship song with you, “The Power of the Cross.” Sing it if you know it.
Oh, to see the dawn
Of the darkest day
Christ on the road to Calvary.
Tried by sinful men,
Torn and beaten, then
Nailed to a cross of wood.
This, the power of the cross
Christ became sin for us
Took the blame, bore the wrath—
We stand forgiven at the cross.
In a book called The Great Boer War written in 1900, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle tells of a small detachment of British troops during the South African campaign. These troops were surprised by an overwhelming enemy force. The British had to quickly retreat under heavy fire with little time to carry any of the wounded with them. And so out there on the bloody battlefield, the injured men faced certain death. One of those injured was a corporal in the Ceylon Mounted Infantry. He realized that they would only survive if they could come under the protection of a Red Cross flag. The corporal had strength enough to use blood from his wounds and those of his friends to paint a large red cross on a piece of white cloth.
And there at his weakest point on the battlefield, the corporal was able to raise himself up on shaky legs and wave the white cloth smeared in blood. All around him were groaning men and the sounds of people dying and crying for help. But thankfully, mercifully, when the enemy saw the flag with the blood‑stained cross, the red cross, they held their fire. The British were then able to quickly hurry out on the field and move the wounded to a safe place.
Don’t you think that’s a powerful story? Because all around you and me are weak and wounded people, groaning in hopelessness and silently crying out for help and hope and they don’t even know they’re dying. But this story underscores that hope, doesn’t it?! It's the story also of Exodus 12, which says, "When I see the blood, I will pass over you, I will save you." Friend, when God sees the blood of His own Son, He lays down His arms and there is no more enmity between God and man. There is no more wrath. There is a real and lasting truce for those who would but believe.
And it's why staying beneath the cross of Jesus is the best place to be when you're under attack or not. The cross of Christ is a red cross. It is stained with the blood of the Savior. And on that red cross are written these words, “For this is the love of God in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” And with that, the enemy doesn't dare touch us. We are safe in His shadow.
If today you feel overwhelmed with fear or weariness, picture yourself under the flag of the Savior. For there, you will be covered by the blood, and God will protect you. That’s the power of the cross.
Used by permission of
JONI AND FRIENDS
P.O. Box 3333
Agoura Hills, CA 91376
© Joni and Friends