FINE TUNED STRINGS thoughts. ramblings.

In the wake of the recent disaster in Japan, my attention was captured by the humanitarian efforts of the International Red Cross and National chapters all over the world. Massive efforts are being made to bring hope to a region devastated by the recent earthquake and tsunami, and the Red Cross stands in the forefront. My heart aches for the nation of Japan and those affected by this tragic event.

With all this, I cannot shake this thought. The cross in its original design and intent was not meant to be a symbol of hope. The cross depicted a brutal and tragic death, reserved for the worst of all criminals: a purposefully painful and gruesome method of public execution. Countless people were brutally executed on the cross, and their shame was on public spectacle for all to see. All this changed with the crucifixion of one man: Jesus Christ. When the blameless, sinless perfect Son of God bore the sins of humanity on the cross, not only did we undeservingly receive hope from the penalty of death; Christ transformed a symbol of shame into a symbol of hope. Now the American Red Cross symbolizes hope, rather than being equivalent to the American Red Gallows!

If Christ can transform a symbol of despicable shame into a symbol of eternal hope, He can do the same for us. All we have to do is let Him. He is willing to take our shame, guilt,remorse and regret and exchange it for eternal hope and joy.

Pray this prayer. You have nothing to lose (except shame, guilt, remorse and the like).

Dear Jesus, I believe that you came to die for my sins, paid the price I had to pay. I’m tired of carrying my shame, guilt, remorse, regret and sorrow on my own. You died so I don’t have to. So today, I ask that You would place your joy, love, and peace inside of me, and give me a new hope for eternity. I receive it in Jesus name, Amen.