Approaching the Cross

As we approach Easter, consider how we get there. 

Easter isn't found by hopping down the bunny trail, but by walking the via dolorosa, which can be translated to "painful way."

This journey started before time existed.  

1 Corinthians 2: 6-8 We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. ⁷ No, we declare God’s wisdom, a mystery that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began. ⁸ None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

The word tree conjures such images and has deep meaning for me.  Going back to college when I was working on an art piece and challenged by my professor to think about it a little differently.  A tree is rooted at the center of my faith.  A tree bridges my way from darkness to light.

Every tree I see, whatever form it might take, brings this to mind

A tree with its branches stretched to the sky offering shade to those beneath or a home to those above.

A telephone pole that carries lines of power, electric, heat, conversation, words of hope, encouragement

 

 A fence that draws a boundary between where things should be...

John 10: 1-3 “Very truly I tell you Pharisees, anyone who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. ² The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. ³ The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.

A tree that held my Savior while He held my sin so that I could have hope, welcome, a place to call home, a reason to worship...

fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God Hebrews 12:2