As I sit here on my couch looking out on a clear and sunshine-filled, beautiful start to this Good Friday, I am thankful for some unlimited time in the Word to reflect on the significance of this day. I know that as much as I attempt to wrap my mind around Christ's crucifixion each year at this time, it is a feeble attempt at understanding such sacrifice. There is such a depth of love expressed through the cross; Christ chose to obey, to fulfill the scriptures (Matthew 26:53-54) despite being mocked as "King of the Jews" with a robe and crown of thorns (Mark 15:16-20). Grasping even just a small portion of the magnitude of His sacrifice and endurance of pain for me is both humbling and overwhelming. I try to imagine what it would have been like to be there at the crucifixion, yet I don't think it is possible for the mere fact that I see the sacrifice and know what is to come. We can call this day "Good" Friday because we know and celebrate his resurrection; can you imagine the pain of watching the crucifixion without knowing of the resurrection to come? I think it takes that intentional thought, focused solely on the crucifixion itself to get the full impact of what Good Friday and the cross truly represent.
This year, the cross has taken on new meaning for me. I had the opportunity to go on my first international mission trip in May to Romania, and although many experiences from that trip have impacted me, one continues to be at the top of my memories. It was our Sunday morning church service in a small, Romanian Baptist church that I think was a little glimpse into heaven. It was an amazing time of worship, singing hymns and listening to six or seven different languages lifting up praise at once. The message brought that morning was focused on the cross, looking at the sacrifice of Christ, as well as His command to take up our cross and follow him (Luke 9:23-27). The key challenge of this message was, 'What does your cross look like?' He went through several ways that we, as Christians in a worldly society, show our cross, our faith to those around us. Talk about a convicting message; in reflecting back on that trip, I sometimes think that God's purpose for me going on that trip was not just to serve, but to hear that message. A little over a month ago, I finally took all of those thoughts from that particular message and turned them into a poem entitled 'A Cross for the Nations'. (Here's your 'learn something new about me' for the day. As an internal processor, poetry has been a fun way to capture some trips and experiences for me since high school; however, in the past couple of years, God has put a few on my heart as I have processed things He has been teaching me and what I am to be striving toward.) So, to close out this Good Friday post, here is my poem, and I hope you have a reflective day followed by a wonderful celebration of Christ's resurrection this Easter Sunday!
A Cross for the Nations
by Natalie Coers
Take up your cross and follow me;
A command to deny thyself if a reflection of Christ is to be.
A command to deny thyself if a reflection of Christ is to be.
But in a world where perception brings identity
Who is this Christian that they see?
Who is this Christian that they see?
Do they see my cross adorned with jewels of good deeds?
Or, do they see my weary, sinner’s heart in need?
Or, do they see my weary, sinner’s heart in need?
Do they see my cross built with perfect precision and care?
Or, do they see the lessons learned through trials and in prayer?
Or, do they see the lessons learned through trials and in prayer?
Do they see my cross covered in blessings from a life so grand?
Or, do they see my scars mended with forgiveness in the Maker’s hands?
Or, do they see my scars mended with forgiveness in the Maker’s hands?
The cross we each carry reflects our journey in life;
It can be filled with both blessings and strife.
It can be filled with both blessings and strife.
Yet, the cross of Christ was once a symbol feared;
Now an expression of faith, it is one revered.
Now an expression of faith, it is one revered.
The rugged cross is weathered and worn;
Its wood grains tell of the burdens He bore.
Its wood grains tell of the burdens He bore.
Nails pierced my Savior upon it Crucifixion Day;
His pure and holy sacrifice, there was no other way.
His pure and holy sacrifice, there was no other way.
Praises, oh, He rose again, the cross now closes the divide;
So, take up your cross and trust Him as your guide.
So, take up your cross and trust Him as your guide.
Don’t try to cover, to perfect, or to adorn your cross;
Just let it be real, a reflection of Christ for all you gained in loss.
Just let it be real, a reflection of Christ for all you gained in loss.
Each of our stories serves as a connection, a means to teach;
Go! Be bold! Take His story to the nations unreached!
Go! Be bold! Take His story to the nations unreached!
