Reflections from the “way of the Cross” Part 1

“In the Bible, salvation is not God’s rescue of people from the world but the rescue of the world itself.” N. T. Wright

“That the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and will obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God.” The Apostle Paul

I am sitting here up on a hill on Catalina Island, overlooking the Pacific Ocean and the cross of Jesus (I wrote this when I was at Campus by the Sea). I am reminded that God is both Creator and Redeemer but these two are closer than we think. In Romans 8:21 (quoted above) Paul reminds us of this truth. We as humans receive from the cross of Jesus and his resurrection the redemption of our bodies (Romans 8:24). But we share this redemption with creation! I am in awe of this great plan of redemption. As I am sitting looking at the cross, which overlooks God’s creation, I realize that the cross will redeem this creation. Yes, it is true! God’s creation will obtain the very redemption that we will obtain!

I love to hike up the “way of the cross” because it gives me a bigger perspective. In my own little world, that consists of me and my salvation, I can get consumed with myself, but when I come up to the cross I can see where human redemption meets the creation’s redemption. What is the redemption of our bodies? What is the redemption of creation? How does this change how we live our lives today? This is nothing short of the renewal/rescue of all things! We are not being rescued from creation but God is going to rescue creation itself! God is going to put things in order that was once in disorder. Humans as well as creation are in disorder! They both long together for their redemption. Know that the cross and Jesus’ resurrection makes all things new!

“He has made known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure that he set forth in Christ, as a plan for the fullness of time, to gather up all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.” The Apostle Paul

Father,

Help us by your Spirit to see the big picture and to live as if your new creation has started (which it has in your Son’s death and resurrection) and help us to see that we have a part to play as your stewards of your creation!

I ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit. One God forever and ever, Amen!