Our Numbness to the Cross

The cross had been a fixture that many throughout the world recognize. Many people adorn thier body with tattoos, jewelry, clothing and other items that have references to the cross. This does not mean that all are Christians or even recognize that it what we associate it with Christ. The question to me is have we become numb to the meaning of the cross? We see it and think nothing of it's actual purpose or association with death. Why is that? I had to think about that on a personal level and I was lead to the following verses (not usual).

Exodus 29:10 -14

10 “Bring the bull to the front of the tent of meeting, and Aaron and his sons shall lay their hands on its head. 11 Slaughter it in the LORD’s presence at the entrance to the tent of meeting. 12 Take some of the bull’s blood and put it on the horns of the altar with your finger, and pour out the rest of it at the base of the altar. 13 Then take all the fat on the internal organs, the long lobe of the liver, and both kidneys with the fat on them, and burn them on the altar. 14 But burn the bull’s flesh and its hide and its intestines outside the camp. It is a sin offering.

If you were to witness that how would you feel for the very first time. Maybe it would have no effect on you. I know for the first time I would want to turn my eyes an not watch. But after a period of time I would be use to seeing it and become numb to the vileness of it all. This was a sin offering.

Do we really grasp the vileness of the Cross? Do we get caught up on the beauty of the cross and forget its purpose and meaning. God sent his very Son to the cross. Would it have been that easy to look at when Christ was on it? I dare say it would be. To the soldiers it was something they had grown numb to. I think we have become somewhat that way too.

The animal had no idea what was about to happen to it. It was lead up clueless to the whole process that would end its life. On the other hand Christ knew he was headed to the cross. Some much so he prayed so hard he sweat blood. The cross was before him but we were on his mind.

My purpose is not to pull away from the total meaning of the Cross because Jesus is no longer on it. He conquered the grave and rose to live again. In doing so he ended those needed sacrifices with one final act. We praise him for that! I just need to remember a lot went into that sacrifice and its meaning is much more than cross on my ring. It is pain and suffering that lead to forgiveness and joy.