The Cross: Repositioned

By Dr. Cynthia James


Have you ever heard Christianity explained to your complete satisfaction? Probably not, but that does not make one less of a believer. How many concepts and paradigms do we embrace everyday that like Christianity – seem to be a pivotal place of paradox? In Christianity, light comes from darkness, life comes from death, joy in the midst of sorrow and, an endless list of contradictory truths. The Cross, a symbol of Jesus’ crucifixion, is simple in its design but complex in its message. It looms empty, bare and isolated but it is full and overflowing with compassion for the often forgotten masses.

The Cross is said to be an offense to many. In its silent stance it screams of man’s forbidden thoughts and shines a spotlight on the horrors of humanity. It highlights the depravity of the unconverted heart and just as quickly brings hope and promise to bathe our wounds in love. The Cross is indeed the pivot place of paradox. It is the place where things turn around for the better.

The Cross of Calvary is also said to be a symbol for a meeting place. It is the meeting place where the ravages of shame and the humility of servitude confront. It is the intersection where man’s hatred and bitterness is set ablaze by bleeding flesh. A place where: heaven and earth, God and man, sinner and saint, outsider and insider, fault-finder and forgiver, greed and grace, rejection and redemption, punisher and penitent, exit and entrance all come together --- the meeting place where we reach up in order to reach out to one another.

The Cross, is simple, yet inexplicable in power. The Cross, pivot place of paradox and stereotyped as offensive – is where intimidation meets Divine intimacy. The Cross is a place where contradictions coexist and accumulate to our benefit. The Cross of Calvary satisfies every condition for our credibility. It is the “road best taken”. It was heaven’s ornament against a darkened sky and some dared to reduce it to adorning jewelry.

The eternal monologue of the Cross cannot be drowned by waves of time nor diminished by contemporary voices. It still offers a redemptive lift to all who embrace its Crucified.

The Cross is the original resting place for a victim’s cruel cadaver but now it cradles my old nature with its cares and scars. Oh, Calvary’s, criss-crossed blades , I rest content in thee.

In the midst of pain I receive your peace.

In the midst of turmoil you release your triumph.

In the dark midnight of uncertainty – you utter a dawn of direction.

In the echoes of loneliness you radiate your love.

I find rest in thee, Oh Cross of Calvary.

I find rest in your blood stained nails.

I find rest in the needles of your thorny crown.

I find rest in thee,

Thank God for the Cross.

Not only is the Cross the pivot place of paradox and the meeting place of contradictions but it a true and dependable witness. It testifies to the honor of being dishonored. It takes the stand and testifies to our indebtedness while Love relieves us from all costs. The Cross never speaks of itself but points to the worthiness of the Crucified One. It is simple but we cannot ignore its significance. We are yet learning our lessons from its testimony as it provides endless new answers about old truths in changing times. We are all students of the Cross.

It is the driving force that makes our dreams a reality. It testifies not just of Jesus who is the Christ but of our work made possible through faith in His name. It is proof of the finished work and the completed assignment. The Cross demands that we be more than merely impressed but rather that we imitate its non-violent side while resisting its shame and folly. The Cross represents more than just the voice of a minority tradition for it is a faithful and true signpost to the glory of God’s non-violent victory.

The Cross tells its own story, sings, its own song, applauds its own act and saves my soul. Could it be that the flaming swords of angels placed at Edens entrance to exclude mankind have now been repositioned as Calvary’s cross to assure our entrance? The Cross, once the weapon of angels now is our call to be reconciled to both God and man. The Cross, banned from public halls has found a place eternally in private hearts.


Dr. Cynthia James is a Christian Psychologist who pastors two local congregations in Oakland, CA and brings an intellectually sound yet fervent approach to ministry. She oversees the credentialing, counseling, and pastoral care of approximately 140 pastors and ministers serving 60 Church of God congregations in the Northern California, Northern Nevada,…