The Collision at the Cross: The Rest of the Story

Editor’s Note: This is Part 2 of a two-part article. Find Part 1 at this link.

As we continue our journey to the collision at the cross, do you find yourself screaming for the death of Jesus Christ as part of the crowd or standing apart, trying to comprehend what is happening?

With each beating, Jesus knew He was not enduring His punishment, but ours. With each crack of the whip that shredded his back, He knew He was paving the way for healing for us. With each painful step, carrying all the sins of humankind from Adam and Eve in the garden, to the ones who shouted, “Crucify,” to you and to me, He knew that He would have many descendants. He could see His bride.

However, all that led to the cross. As we step into that moment, the world becomes dark just as the sky darkens before a severe storm. The world is waiting. It can feel the major clash between good and evil. The battle lines are drawn, and the earth is shuddering.

And, at that very moment, Jesus cries out, “It is finished” (John 19:30b). The earth explodes as the earthquake hits, and the thick curtain in the temple is torn in two from top to bottom. At that moment, God is declaring that we have access to heavenly realms and that every obstacle is being removed. He has declared unrestricted access to heaven for His children. Heaven has won the war; however, the demonic realm nor the world does not understand that yet.

At this moment, there is no breath in Jesus. The wind is knocked out of all who followed Him because nothing was making sense. When we are walking with God, how often does nothing make sense? At that moment, we must learn to step back to the promises of God. They are our safe haven when the world around us is shaking,

I am so thankful that the cross is not the end of the story. Without the Resurrection, we would have a body on the cross. However, God knew that every curse must be broken. God loves us so much that He did not want us to carry our sins nor have to offer continual sacrifices; instead, He wanted us to learn to walk in freedom. Jesus had taught His disciples to pray for heaven to invade earth. In this moment, hell was defeated, death was conquered, the stone was rolled away, and we now declare that we serve a risen Savior.

Between the cross and the Resurrection, there was a pause. A few days passed before the victory of the cross would be seen. That in-between time is always a challenge. We can decide if the hopeless situation has the last say in every area of our lives or if God does.

Many religions or little gods can be worshipped in our world. However, only one true God is alive and has defeated death and sin. That is the God we serve. So be prepared, because Easter is coming. Leave your insecurities, fears and failures at the foot of the cross. It is time to decree and declare that He has risen. Shout that at the top of your lungs, for He is worthy of all praise!

One final note, as your praises go up, the demonic must flee. As you worship, you focus on the one through whom nothing is impossible. As you focus on Him, you can receive what you need for this season. God loves you so much that He sent Jesus. Jesus loves you so much that with joy He endured the cross so you can become who God created you to be. I am so thankful for that cross. Let us worship! {eoa}

Ruth Hendrickson is an ordained pastor, itinerant speaker, ministry trainer and board-certified biblical counselor who has extensive experience in the development, training and oversight of emotional healing ministry teams, recovery ministries, prophetic ministry, prayer ministries and women’s ministry. In addition, she is a course facilitator for Patricia King Institute and Charisma courses. She writes for Elijah List and Charisma and has a podcast titled “Real Truth with Ruth.” Through biblically based teachings and practical applications infused with love and laughter, her goal is to introduce people not only to the living God who saves, but also to the God who desires an intimate relationship with each one of us. Her books Positioned – How to be Aligned & Empowered to Walk in Your Diving Destiny and Everyday Prophetic will help you grow in your walk with God. Ruth is an avid unsweetened iced tea drinker who loves warm weather, palm trees and beaches! She believes that she should live in the South. Visit her website atRuthhendrickson.com or find her on Facebook or YouTube.

Read articles like this one and other Spirit-led content in our new platform, CHARISMA PLUS.