When the ear is dull of hearing
And self consumed with our own ways,
The word of God is compromised
Where deception may remain.
It took three nails and a cross
To crucify our evil deeds;
To remove the tares of doubt
And all wicked types of seeds.
To take up our cross
Requires sweat and humility,
As opposed to picking up a toothpick
Where light labor may be seen.
The toothpick clears debris
From leftovers in the teeth,
But the cross ensures victory
That is wholesome and complete.
The toothpick is like a splinter –
May be sore but once removed,
We’re back to our old ways
Where not much has been improved.
The toothpick is consumed
Where celebrations do exist,
But the cross requires sacrifice
And reconciliation in our midst.
And the cross demands a change;
It commands that we forgive,
And to confront the situations;
To choose life so we may live.
When Jesus carried His cross
It was for us – God’s enemies,
To reconcile us to the Father
So eternal life we see.
We have two pieces from wood
But so different in many ways,
Let’s ensure the cross is taken
Where God’s mercy will remain.
“If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” Matthew 16:24
“For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Matthew 6:14-15
“For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” Matthew 16:25-26
“For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.” Romans 5:10
