I take, O cross, thy shadow for my abiding place;
I ask no other sunshine than the sunshine of His face;
Content to let the world go by, to know no gain nor loss,
My sinful self my only shame, my glory all the cross.In a book called The Great Boer War, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle tells of a small detachment of British troops who were surprised by an overwhelming enemy force. The British had to quickly retreat under heavy fire, with little time to carry any of the wounded with them.Out there on the battlefield, the injured men faced certain death. One of them was a corporal in the Ceylon Mounted Infantry. He realized that they would only survive if they could come under the protection of a Red Cross flag. The corporal had strength enough to use blood from his wounds and those of his friends to paint a large red cross on a piece of white cloth. When the enemy saw the flag with the bloodstained cross, they held their fire. The British were able to move the wounded to a safe place.
What a poignant and powerful story. It’s the story of Exodus 12:13, which says, “When I see the blood, I will pass over you.” And it’s also why beneath the cross of Jesus is the best place to be, whether you’re under attack or not. The cross of Christ is a red cross, and the Enemy doesn’t dare touch us. We are safe in Jesus’ shadow.
When you feel overwhelmed with fear, guilt, or weariness, picture yourself at the foot of the cross, with your arms wrapped around it, hanging on as tight as you can. You will be covered by the blood and God will protect you.
Jesus, my Savior, help me to remember to huddle in the shadow of your cross today and to recall that you have me covered. I am safe. |
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