THE IRONY CROSS

Hosea 14      Luke 23: 26-43

God’s kingdom is open to all.

There is no one particular tribe, group, culture that is exempt.

Actually it is a community of grace, elected by God. His Messiah is for all His people. Those washed by His blood are made members of His body and are full partners in all God’s promises (Ephesians 36:6).

Jesus Christ is our peace, who made both groups (Jew and Gentile) one….So that He might create in Himself one new man from the two, resulting in peace (Ephesians 2: 14,15).

This is our challenge as a congregation. To reflect the openness of Christ’s saving work to all.

Around us are people from different social groups and cultures. the challenge is “how do we bridge the gap?”

Surely this is where the cross comes into the forefront. there is irony in the cross. It is the great equaliser. All people who come to God at the cross find a common identity in this position. the people of the cross are raised into a new community or race, all one in Christ Jesus.

“There is no Jew or Greek, slave or free, male or female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus”.

It is never the case, while we are in this world, that we should see anyone as beyond the rescue of Jesus Christ. He can cross any barrier.

This is seen in the rescue of that thief on the cross next to Jesus (Luke 23: 26-43). Today we trace how he made a transition into a brand new kingdom, prepared by Jesus Christ Himself.

The theme “Irony of the cross” is that it fills every area of the need for us to be fully restored to peace with God, eternally.