The Mystery of the Cross
Basilea Schlink reveals that the cross, though a symbol of suffering, is ultimately a divine mystery of love and resurrection that leads believers to joy and eternal life.
In "The Mystery of the Cross," Basilea Schlink explores the profound dual nature of the cross as both a symbol of suffering and a beacon of divine love and resurrection. She encourages believers to embrace their personal crosses with the same surrender Jesus showed, promising that such faithfulness leads to unimaginable joy and eternal reward. This devotional sermon invites listeners to become true disciples who carry their crosses and participate in God's kingdom-building work.
Full Transcript
God lives and works today, but is he real for each one of us in every situation? Is he real for those among us who must bear a heavy burden or a cross, for those whose lives are marked by grief or suffering? Listen to today's meditation by Basilea Schlink called The Mystery of the Cross. There's a wonderful secret about the cross. It's as if there were a veil around the cross which few people ever remove.
It's as if the cross had two faces. To some people it looks gray and black. It speaks of suffering, judgment, and death.
But to others it seems to gleam like gold. The mystery of the cross and its two faces has to do with our Lord Jesus, he who died on the cross. Only when we comprehend that Jesus is love, only love, can we comprehend the mystery of the cross.
Jesus could have remained with the Father in heaven in eternal joy, but he became the Son of Man. He gave up his power and glory and took the cross upon his shoulders. For us too, the cross means suffering.
It means literally being crossed out. Our wishes and our will may be crossed out. Or our health or happiness may be crossed out.
With God, however, as we see by Jesus' life, there is no cross, no disappointment that is not followed by a resurrection. If we take the same attitude towards our cross that Jesus took towards his, that is, if we say, yes, Father, then God will use our cross to give us something much greater and more beautiful than we could ever imagine. Let us tell our Lord Jesus, I want to be your cross-bearer.
Jesus has many bystanders, but he has only a few friends who join with him to penetrate the mystery of the cross, few disciples who praise God for their cross. Jesus is longing for such followers. With them he can build his kingdom, for fruit comes from carrying the cross.
Jesus can make his cross-bearers truly happy, for the cross is the key that opens heaven. Let's commit ourselves to Jesus to become his cross-bearers. On this pathway we'll find unimaginable joy, fruit, and glory.
And Jesus promises to repay his true cross-bearers a hundred times over. Yes, to them he gives overflowing divine life, for now and for all eternity. You've been listening to a program by Basilea Schlink of the Little Land of Canaan.
If you contact us, we would be happy to send you a free inspirational booklet. God bless you.
Sermon Outline
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I
- The dual nature of the cross: suffering and glory
- The cross as a veil few remove
- Jesus as the ultimate revelation of love on the cross
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II
- Jesus’ voluntary sacrifice and humility
- The meaning of the cross in our personal suffering
- The promise of resurrection following every cross
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III
- The call to be Jesus’ cross-bearers
- Few disciples truly embrace the cross
- The cross as the key to joy, fruitfulness, and heaven
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IV
- Jesus’ promise of abundant reward for cross-bearers
- Overflowing divine life now and eternally
- Invitation to commit to the pathway of the cross
Key Quotes
“It's as if the cross had two faces. To some people it looks gray and black. It speaks of suffering, judgment, and death.” — Basilea Schlink
“Only when we comprehend that Jesus is love, only love, can we comprehend the mystery of the cross.” — Basilea Schlink
“Jesus promises to repay his true cross-bearers a hundred times over. Yes, to them he gives overflowing divine life, for now and for all eternity.” — Basilea Schlink
Application Points
- Embrace personal suffering as a participation in Jesus’ cross with a heart of surrender.
- Seek to become a true cross-bearer by praising God even in difficult circumstances.
- Trust in God’s promise that every cross will be followed by resurrection and abundant blessing.