By Calvin Miller | Retired as Professor of Preaching and Pastoral Ministry at Beeson Divinity School and continues to reside in Birmingham, Alabama. He is a Contributing Editor of Preaching.
Why should we feel that our crosses are more special than that carried by Christ? No servant is above his master (
Matt. 10:24). Where did we get the idea that when we became disciples, God said, "Way to go! Thank you so much for believing. I'm so flattered. Here's your very own Hardship Exemption Card! If you ever get in trouble, just flash this card and I'll have you back on your bed of roses in no time."
Rejoice! You Are Loved!
Look at the cross and try to remember that God will not superstitiously deliver you from great suffering or death. Christians suffer as do non-Christians. Atheists and devoted saints die at the same rate, but God is still a sparrow lover.
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Why do Christians find such preoccupation with the cross? Because the cross is evidence that God means it when He says He cares for us and loves us.
The first verse of the Bible that I memorized is evidence that when God says He cares about us, He really means it.
"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3:16).
The cross has become a tribute to a love that means business. If you are prone to ask, "How much does God love you?" just remember the words that long ago fell from the poet's pen:
"Could we with ink the oceans fill
"And were the skies of parchment made,
"Were every stock on earth a quill,
"And every man a scribe by trade,
"To write the love of God above
"Would drain those oceans dry,
"Nor would the scroll contain the whole,
"Though stretched from sky to sky.
God cares for you—you may count on His concern. Remember the birds: "Are not sparrows two-a-penny, yet without your Father's leave, not one of them may fall…"
If God so loves us, we live under requirement; here is what God requires: "The very hairs of your head are numbered…fear not, you are worth more than many sparrows."
Here is an old hymn worth singing because it helps us to remember we are loved.
"We are pursued by the sparrow lover.
"We are loved by the One who loved us all the way to Calvary.
"So, stand! Stand and declare that love. . .
"to the God of sparrows,
"to the God of lavish care,
"to the God of the cross."
