On September 13, 2001 workers at Ground Zero uncovered a 20-foot cross – two steel beams forged in the fire of heartbreak. Revealed as rubble was cleared away, this symbol of faith and hope immediately became a place of prayer for exhausted and grief-stricken workers and clergy.
Now ten years later, the 9/11 cross is slated to be on permanent display in the National September 11 Memorial and Museum. But if the New Jersey based group, “American Atheists,” get their way, the cross will be banned. According to a recent story in World Magazine the group claims they have experienced trauma, depression, and physical ailments because the religious tradition of the cross has been “imposed upon them through the power of the state.”
In other words, these atheists have been offended by the cross.
My response: “So, get in line.”
Long history of being offended by the Cross
Taking offense to the cross of Christ is nothing new. People have been offended by the cross for more than 2,000 years. Funny, the world is offended, but Jesus “scorned its shame” (Hebrews 12:2) to obey the Father and provide our salvation.
Here are just a few of the polarizing responses produced by the cross of Christ:
- Considered “foolishness” to those who are perishing, but recognized as the “power of God” to those who believe (1 Corinthians 1:18).
- The message of the cross fosters both peace Colossians 1:20) and war (Philippians 3:18).
- Our response to Christ’s death on the cross can condemn or justify (John 3:16-18; Col 2:14).
- The cross both heals and offends (1 Peter 2:24).
Are you offended by the cross? If you are a believer, perhaps you refrain from speaking about the cross of Christ because you are afraid someone will take offense. Believers, may we not be afraid of offense but hold high the cross of Christ. For it is the “power of God for salvation to those who believe” (Romans 1:16).
Who will you risk offending today?
Oh, Kathy, what a powerful reflection on the cross. Yes, people are still getting offended by it. But I am not afraid of sharing my hope, my faith.
On my key-chain I carry a reminder “Lift High the Cross”…it reminds me daily on who I belong to.
Iris, thanks for sharing that. I have a small cross in the coin purse of my wallet. Every time I go to get out change I see it and am reminded of the cross. May I never be offended or be afraid to offend over the cross of Christ.
How wonderful Kathy that you carry a statement of your Love of our Lord in your Purse, a small Cross. I have worn a Sliver Cross around my neck ever since I became Born Again 10 years ago. My Grandmother also carried a cross in her Purse for as long as I can remember.
Do you still carry it Kathy?
Yvonne Miller. London,England.
I do still carry it!
I’m so thankful you posted this and that Iris shared on FB so I could also share.
Beckie, thank you for reading and for sharing it on Facebook! We all definitely need encouragement to be bold for Christ!
I’ve been thinking about this very thing lately. Sometimes I wonder why we worry so much about what the world thinks. The world is opposed to God, to the Cross, and hates us. It is impossible to please the world without compromising our very identity as followers of Christ. May I never deny my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Diane, thank you for these challenging and beautiful words! Amen!
Dearest Kathy.
I am an English lady from London, England and I just found your Web-site today.
What a find!
I came to your Easter page as Easter approaches fast and I wanted to save to a File some of the words you had written. I was amazed and overwhelmed when I found this….
“On September 13, 2001 workers at Ground Zero uncovered a 20-foot cross – two steel beams forged in the fire of heartbreak. Revealed as rubble was cleared away, this symbol of faith and hope immediately became a place of prayer for exhausted and grief-stricken workers and clergy.”
I believe with conviction this amazing Cross was Gods Hand and it was a message of Hope at a time of complete devastation and loss….how like our Heavenly Father to do something like this for us to find. Our Lord was there that day although unseen He was truly there walking with those in the storm. no darkness can hide us no trial can obscure His vision, we are always seen, known and understood. We are never alone.
Thank you so much dear Kathy for sharing this with the world and I pray that it touches others as it did me.
In Gods Love
Yvonne Miller. England.
Thank you Yvonne for stopping by and sharing your insight! My husband and I just visited the 911 Museum. There was so many reminders of God’s hand in the midst of tragedy.