Easter 2008

A number of years ago I read He Chose the Nails by Max Lucado. It was the first of his books that I read. Some parts of the book have stayed with me through the years, and many times I've used it, and others, to illustrate a point or develop a narrative for a service. Here's a favourite part for Easter.

History has only one main event. Mankind’s time line is dotted with important moments: the first spark from the first flint; the rolling of the first wheel; the treating of the first wound. Who dares minimise these events? But who dares compare them with the cross? History has only one main event.

Scripture has only one main event. Other matters, but only one is essential. The story of Jericho might stir you, but falling walls can’t redeem you. Moses will give you direction through the wilderness, but no solution for your sin. David’s defeat of Goliath might reduce your timidity, but only the cross prepares you for eternity. Scripture has only one main event.

Even in the life of Jesus there is only one main event. For if there is no cross of Christ, then there is no truth to Christ.

And, when it comes to your life, the same is true. To remove the cross is to remove the hinch-pin from the door of hope. The door of your hope. For if there is no cross then there is no sacrifice for sin. If there is no sacrifice for sin then how will you face a sinless God? Will you cleanse your own sin? And if there is no cross of Christ then there is no resurrection of Christ. And if there is no resurrection of Christ, how will you live again? Will you push back your own grave?

Forgiveness of sin and deliverance from death, these are the claims of the cross. Let there be no mistake. The cross is not an event in history, it is the event of history.

Whether we believe in Jesus Christ or not, his birth, life, death and resurrection dominate our history. We calculate our dates with reference to him, our justice system reflects upon his teaching. Our systems of government, of education, of social order are all connected in some way to this carpenter from Nazareth.

Abstracted from He Chose the Nails by Max Lucado