“The blessing of peace takes on the full depth of it’s meaning in the shadow of the cross because it was on this tree that God reconciled the world to himself. . . . If there’s any sentimentality still clinging to the concept of blessing, the cross utterly strips it away, exposing the reality that blessing is most fully expressed in the sacrificial giving of self for the sake of others.”- Tina Boesch
“For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.”- Colossians 1:19-20 (NIV)
Tina Boesch concludes Chapter 9 of Given as she stresses what we need to fully experience the healing the cross offers. We must fully identify with Jesus. The One who hung from it. Since Christ gave Himself, His givenness establishes the ground of blessing. Therefore, the practice of blessing begins at the foot of the cross. This living tree. Hence, Tina continues:
“The blessing of the cross isn’t a possession; it’s a relationship with the one who blesses. The practice of blessing isn’t a finite act or object; it’s an ongoing way of relating that involves the whole self. Being called to bless means to live given. And if I’ve truly experienced the blessing of the cross, then the givenness that I see in Christ should characterize my life too.”
And so, we enter into the blessing of Christ through faith. For God writes this new covenant not on stones, but on our hearts. As we turn to God, we first and foremost live to righteousness ( 1 Peter 2:24) in our relationship with God.
Today’s question: How does the shadow of the cross bring full meaning to the blessing of peace? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: the August Short Meditation – “A masterpiece about to happen”
