Life and death meet at Jesus’ cross.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

“But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ,
by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.”
Galatians 6:14 English Standard Version

As I walked out to this cross on a untrod snowy trail, I said my usual prayer, “Lord, surprise me!” I didn’t realize that my surprise would come at the foot of the cross.

Bennett Hill Monastery, Black Forest, Colorado
Copyright Douglas P Brauner

When I arrived at the cross I looked up and tried to find a good angle from which to take a picture, an angle that would say more than, “Oh, that’s a cross in the forest.” I bent over and took a few shots up at the cross from snow level. I stood up and zoomed in on the cross beams.

Then I saw the surprise.

There were animals tracks leading to and departing from the cross. These tracks were at a perfect right angle. If you enlarge this picture you’ll see what I mean.

For Paul there is no middle ground. Everything leads to the foot of the cross and everything flows away from the cross. The cross is our death. The cross is our life.

It’s hard to explain how and instrument of death brings us life. In and of itself the cross can’t do anything.  It is the One who hung there for you and me who is the difference maker.

My hope for you today is that you follow the animal tracks to Jesus’ cross. Then, empowered by his mercy, you walk out into the great unknown of the day with the knowledge that the risen Christ walks with you.

And while you walk out into that great unknown, why don’t you pray, “Father, surprise me.”

Copyright Douglas P Brauner