May 21, 2006
Unchained By The Cross
READ: Matthew 27:33-50
God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. —Romans 5:8 n ancient Greek mythology, the hero Prometheus was captured and chained to a mountain peak, where he was sentenced to stay forever. Each day, a giant eagle arrived to feast on his liver. Hermes came to him and said, “Do not hope for an end to your suffering until a god appears as your substitute in torment, ready to descend for you into the realm of Hades.” According to the myth, this was done by the wise and just god Chiron, who sacrificed himself for Prometheus and delivered him from torment.
This story is in some ways a picture of what happened for us the day Jesus died on the cross. Mankind was bound by sin, and there was no hope of escape unless God took our place. And that’s exactly what happened. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, died on our behalf and paid the penalty for our sin. He provided a way of releasing us from eternal punishment. Were we to write for a thousand days, we still could not express the meaning of Christ’s sacrifice for the sins of mankind. Its full significance is beyond our comprehension.
Have you confessed your sin and asked Jesus Christ to be your personal Savior? If not, there’s no better time than today. Trust in Him, and you will know what it means to be unchained by the cross.
Would take my place and bear my sin;
That I, a guilty, death-doomed soul,
Eternal life might win. —Anon