At the Foot of the Cross

This is Day 9 of my 40 day Lenten Blog.

Everyone that has heard of Jesus and His crucifixion stands at the foot of the cross. Who we are at the foot of the cross is what really matters most in this life.

Are we the mockers? Are we those who laugh at Him and shout, "If you are the Son of God come down from that cross and then we will believe!"

Are we the sinful bandit who was crucified with Him, who mocked Him, but then realized that we are dying. But also realizing suddenly that Jesus is the way to salvation, He is the way to eternal life, and if He will only remember us and have mercy on us despite our many sins, we can live!

Are we the guards who refuse to even hear what this man has to say? We are told He is against us, against right thinking, against the rightful king of this world and thus He must be destroyed. We happily beat Him, and torture Him, and kill Him. We take joy in demonstrating that He has no real power.

Are we the centurion who helped crucify Jesus? But then when we saw Him on the cross, dying for all of humankind, we finally recognize that He truly is the Son of God.

Are we John the beloved disciple? Have we returned to Him after having once fled from Him when times got hard? Are we now ready to shoulder the burden He wants us to shoulder even though we are still scared?

Are we the women who stood by Him and never left Him? Did we remain at His feet weeping for Him, wishing that this had never happened, wanting desperately for Him to show the mockers His power by coming down from the cross but knowing in our hearts that it's not going to happen. Knowing that He is dying and with Him all of the goodness and light we had briefly glimpsed in this world of darkness.

Or are we His mother, Mary, who knew like He did that this day would come--who knew all along that a sword would pierce her own soul, that she too would suffer as a mother suffers whenever her child is hurt. But nevertheless choosing to serve God the way He commanded. Are we willing to die in His place if God would simply allow us to? Are we willing to live our entire lives for Him no matter the heavy cost that it will bring to ourselves?

Today's prayer: Lord, I stand at the foot of the cross. Help me to be as those who loved You most. Please allow me to be with You for eternity. Amen.

R.C. VanLandingham lives in Florida with his wife and kids. He is the author of several books including the Christian fantasy books Peter Puckett & The Amulet of Eternity, Peter Puckett & the Enchanted Chalice, and Magdalene Hope & the Elves of Evermore.