Advent - "D" - Destination - The Cross

December 3, 2011 We took a memorable trip this Fall to see family and old friends along the way – over 2,200 miles. Every day had its new destination, with sight-seeing and being over-whelmed by the beauty of God’s creation as we tried to drink in the awesomeness of the Great Smoky Mountains in all of their Fall glory of color – what joy, what delight and what a worshipful experience! There were many joys on our way to our destination, but there were also heartaches we experienced with every family we visited. But with all our joys and sorrows along our journey we continued with hope in the anticipation of our final destination – home. There’s no place like home! Before the earth was formed or one star was put in the sky the Plan for the redemption of fallen man was set in place, the Plan had it’s destination at the cross of Calvary. We must all come to this destination, the cross, either in acceptance or rejection – we must choose, and in choosing we determine our destination. All of us are on a journey now, on this earth. This trip is also filled with joys and sorrows, but those who love and serve Jesus have a most glorious hope of our final destination – Home with the Father and Jesus, our Savior. Some day, I pray very soon, we will take a much longer trip, either by way of the grave or be caught up into the air by our Lord, and forever to be with Him! The Son of God knew the plan was for him to leave the wonders and glories of heaven with His Father, to take on the humility of life as a human. This would be the first stop in His life on earth to His final destination. It would begin as a baby born in a stable and the animals watched while this newborn human baby was laid to rest in their feeding trough. Jesus was destined to come forth as the Branch out of Jesse, David’s father. Mary and Joseph both were descendents of David, Mary from Nathan and Joseph from Solomon, just as was planned. Isaiah 42 tells us that Jesus was destined to bring justice and reveal truth to the nations; that He would not be discouraged till He established justice in the earth; and the islands and coastal regions would wait hopefully for Him for direction and law. He was to be the Hope of the nations (Rom.8:22-25)! There is an old secular song that said, “There are many compromises on the way to my horizon.” But there were no compromises as Jesus walked the path to His destination. Like Isaiah, in 50:7, Jesus knew the “Father would help Him; therefore He was not ashamed or confounded. Therefore, He set His face, like a flint.” He would confidently walk the path set before Him to His destination. Isaiah 9 tells us the government (authority) and peace would be on His shoulders and His name would be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Ever-lasting Father and the Prince of Peace (Matt.28:18; Luke 2:11). Luke 2 tells us that Jesus’ destination (the cross) was to be our Salvation (v.30); a Light to the Gentiles (v.32) and Isaiah 49:6 a Light to the nations; and in John 8:12 Jesus said of Himself, “I am the Light of the world.” While He walked on this earth He was all of these things and fulfilled His final destination. Jesus'final destination was prophesied in Isaiah 53, how He would be despised and rejected and forsaken by men (v.3); He would carry our grief and our just punishment on the cross; He would be wounded for our transgressions, and bruised for our guilt. The chastisement needful to obtain peace and well-being for us was upon Him, and with the stripes that wounded Him we were healed and made whole (vs.4,5). Even His final destined resting place was preplanned (Isaiah 53:9) - a borrowed tomb. Jesus yielded to the "preplan" of His final destination on this earth – the cross. And He let Himself be regarded as a criminal (Isaiah 53:10-12; yet through all of His suffering He took away the sin of many and made intercession for the rebellious (Luke 23:34). Thank You, Father, for Your "preplan" and thank You, Jesus for finishing the plan to Your destination. Thank You for the hope we have to be with You eternally all because You finished the course at the cross. The Old Rugged Cross George Bennard
On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross, the emblem of suffering and shame.
And I love that old cross where the dearest and best, for a world of lost sinners was slain.

O that old rugged cross, so despised by the world has a wondrous attraction for me.
For the dear Lamb of God left His glory above to bear it to dark Calvary.

In the old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine, a wondrous beauty I see;
For ‘twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died to pardon and sanctify me.

To the old rugged cross I will ever be true, its shame and reproach gladly bear.
Then He’ll call me some day to my home far away, where His glory forever I’ll share.

So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross, till my trophies at last I lay down.
I will cling to the old rugged cross, and exchange it some day for a crown.