This changes everything

I'm not sure if I have ever explicitly said this, but my family and I live out in the Irmo area.  A few years ago, the politics of healthcare made a decision that Irmo could have a hospital.  I don't remember all of the details, but for years the site had been chosen but the construction held up.  It probably had something to do with the heart hospital and Lexington medical. 

Anyway, the place has been under construction now for several years.  We have driven by the lot, seen the foundation go in, and watched as slabs took shape into a hospital.  The place is very nice from the outside.  It has a enormous foot print, beautiful glass windows and tiles, amazing landscaping and it is nearing completion.  In fact there was an open house planned for a few weeks ago.  As a part of the open house and the anticipated opening I have noticed that the advertising machine has kicked into high gear.  There are radio spots and commercials on the T.V. and new signs are going up all over the city.  

As we left church one Sunday, the newest billboard caught my attention.   It had the name of the new hospital, Palmetto Health Parkridge, painted on the top.  In the middle of the billboard there was a gorgeous photo of the new hospital.  Judging from the photo and the real construction site, I'd guess the photo is a artist rendition of what it will look like on opening day.  Then, just below the photo was the caption, this changes everything.  You know this caption is true, not really for the hospital, but for something else - the cross.  

The cross, now that really changes everything.   When Christ came to earth and died on the cross it truly changed everything!  For starters, Christ's death paid the penalty in full for our sins.  Isaiah declares that our punishment was laid upon him.  In the Gospels Jesus himself declares that "It is finished."  The penalty and payment - finished.  The fear of death - finished.  The separation - finished.  

The cross changed everything.  It changed worship and the life and death of billions.  The cross changed the way we approach God and the way he looks at those who receive Christ's sacrifice made on the cross.  It changes the way we should live and will change the way we die, and it changes where we will go when we die.  

As pastor Mel Lawrentz said the cross opened the way to heaven and now we can be where Jesus is.  Now we can have room in heaven and true life eternal.   Now we can have a hope that will not disappoint.  Now we are forgiven and reconciled.   Now we are made sons and daughters and can share in the inheritance through faith in thee sacrifice of Christ.  Now we who were dead due to anger, lust, greed, fornication, murder, lying and idolatry can be made alive.  Now we can be made whole, new, and clean by his blood that was shed and the power that raised him from the dead.  

Yes, the cross. Yes, new life. Yes, grace and forgiveness.  Yes, finally we can havr peace with God.

So no truer words have ever been said if it refers to the cross, that is.

"The cross - this changes everything!"

This changes everything!

With love (& in triumph),

Cassius