Two sides to the Cross

Consider the word VICARIOUS for a moment. It can be a form of substitution, where we experience things through the activities of others for our own enjoyment. It could be our children’s success, it could be reading a good book or watching a movie. Two Dictionary definitions are helpful :-
Collins: ‘A vicarious pleasure or feeling that is experienced by watching, listening to, or reading about other people doing something, rather than doing it yourself ‘
Webster: ‘ Something performed or suffered by one person as a substitute for another or to the benefit or advantage of another’

It may seem unusual to put the title of ‘Vicarious’ over a photo of the Cross, when ‘Calvary’ or ‘Jesus Saves’ would seem more appropriate. The symbol of the Cross reminds us of the death of Christ and conjures up so many thoughts in our minds. To many of us it is a precious connection for our Christian beliefs. We see it on church buildings, it is frequently worn by clergy and also people in general. Emblems of the Cross are sincerely used, but they can never take the place of what Jesus did when He died and rose again as our substitute.

Chapter 53 of the Book of Isaiah echoes relentlessly one word… VICARIOUS! We read… ‘He was pierced for OUR transgressions’, ‘He was crushed for OUR iniquities’, and many other similar descriptions of Christ’s crucifixion. This is the first side of the Cross where God dealt with the problem of our sin.

The other side of the Cross are the blessings now available to us all. The photo shows someone with raised hands beside an empty cross. The darkness of the crucifixion has given way to the light, the risen Saviour now lives!

There is now a special and unique pathway available for us all. A life full of God’s blessings, a life VICARIOUSLY secured for each of us, and available in Christ!

Ref. Isaiah Chapter 53. John 10:10, Eph. 1:3. NIV.