In preparation for Easter, I am reading a book of comments about the Cross. The one today concluded that Jesus Christ’s death on the Cross was the fulfillment of God’s Master Plan. I sensed the Spirit say, “No!” and it got me to thinking. So here’s a little something to think about:
The Cross was a Choice
God’s Master Plan is not to save us (now, stay with me here). God’s Master Plan is to make a bride worthy of His Son – that she might reign with Him forever. The part of the plan that included the Cross and ended with Jesus Christ’s resurrection was a gracious act of God to get man back on the right path. Yes, it was a major step on the way to the wedding, but we sell God and His Son short to suggest that it was the end of His plan.
The Cross was a Choice
When did God choose the Cross for His Son? Was He surprised when Adam and Eve rebelled against Him? Did He have to quickly devise a plan in knee jerk response to man’s indiscretion? Did Satan somehow force His hand? The Omnipotent One? Of course not!!
The Cross was a Choice
And let’s face it: We are just not so important that the Master Plan would be so much about us. Yes, it’s about us. But do you really think we are the main character in God’s Master Plan? God could have chosen any number of ways to produce a bride worthy of His son. Imagine anything. He’s God!! He is the Plan Maker. He owns the plan.
The Cross was a Choice
So why did He choose the Cross? Why put His Son through such torture and torment? If we think it is because He had to – blood sacrifice and all that – we forget that He made that rule after the fall of man. He could have chosen another way and another rule. And wasn’t the animal sacrifice for atonement as quick and as painless as possible. Why not the same for His Son – an assassin’s knife or a soldier’s spear in the Garden of Gethsemane – quick and painless?
The Cross was a Choice
You may be disappointed that I don’t have any answers for you. Perhaps it is for you to ask Him.
Father God, why did You choose to send such nobility into such poverty to brutally die for such thankless souls? Yes, I asked. His response was overwhelming. I cannot put it into words. And I know that what He shared this morning is only the beginning of the answer.
For you, it will certainly be different. He speaks uniquely to each of His children. However, I suspect His answer for you will include…
Love is a Choice