February 28 – The Cross of Calvary

"And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left." (Luke 23:33, KJV)

The cross of Calvary calls with overwhelming power, reminding us why we should love Christ, placing Him first, best, and last in all things. Our rightful place is in humble repentance at the foot of the cross. There, we learn the lessons of meekness and humility as we behold the suffering Savior—the Son of God dying in agony, the Just for the unjust.

Look upon Him who, with a single word, could have summoned legions of angels for His deliverance, yet instead endured mockery, insults, and hatred. He willingly gave Himself as a sacrifice for sin. When reviled, He did not retaliate; when falsely accused, He remained silent. Even as He hung upon the cross, He prayed for His executioners. He was paying an infinite price for each of them, unwilling to lose a single soul He purchased at such great cost. Without a murmur, He bore the blows, the whips, and the shame. And this silent sufferer is the very Son of God—the One whose throne has existed from eternity and whose kingdom shall never end.

Oh, look to Calvary! Behold the suffering King, enduring the penalty of sin in your place. The Son of God was rejected and despised for our sake. Can you, standing at the foot of the cross, with the eyes of faith fixed upon His suffering, still dwell on your own troubles and trials? Can you harbor resentment toward your enemies while hearing Christ’s trembling voice plead for His persecutors:

"Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do." (Luke 23:34, KJV)

Let us not turn away from the depths of humiliation that the Son of God endured to lift us from the degradation and bondage of sin to a place at His side. The time of grace is fleeting, and we must dedicate these remaining moments to purifying our characters, washing and making them white in the blood of the Lamb. Then, we may stand among the redeemed, clothed in white robes, gathered before the great white throne.