The Crimson Cross

"But I am a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised by the people"

Psalm 22:6

 When Jesus died on the cross, His blood was shed for the remission of our sin. He was the One and Only Supreme Sacrifice. That cross and the ground surrounding it must have had an eerie scarlet, crimson shade. As blood poured out of His body, onto the cross and onto the ground, it was to fulfill prophecy and to secure redemption for broken, sinful humanity- to all who will accept it.

Psalm 22 was written by King David about 1,000 years before Christ was crucified, but it is a prophetic detail of what Christ endured on the cross.  The word "worm" is the Hebrew word "tola". It describes a scarlet or grub worm. When the female of the species would give birth, she attached herself to a tree trunk, permanently, never to leave again. She deposited her eggs beneath her body, between her and the tree. As the mother scarlet worm died- giving life to new scarlet worms-the blood stained her body and the surrounding wood. (Strong's #8438). (Also see p. 73 of  "Biblical Basis for Modern Science", 1985, Baker Book House, by Henry Morris).

When I first came across this, I was just amazed!  What a beautiful picture of Christ's dying on the cross- His very life blood given- His death- in order to bring new life! We can not fully appreciate just what took place on that cross- just what Christ's death obtained for us. He had to die in order for us to live. "Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit." (John 12:24). There can be no new life without death. There can be no resurrection without death. Just as that mother scarlet worm died after giving birth- her babies fed on her blood and body and grew into maturity. But it took the death of the mother in order to bring life to the offspring,  Hebrews 2:9-10 speaks of how through Jesus death He would bring "many sons to glory".

Hebrews 9:22 tells us that "without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sin." Many people don't like that idea. They don't want to think about all that blood, all that suffering. They want to think of pretty things, flowers on the cross, pretty colors, pretty pictures that don’t sting our heart and make us ponder just what Christ endured for us. They want to feel good and feel happy, not pain and shame. But the truth of the matter is that there was blood on that cross. Jesus did suffer and die a cruel agonizing death. For me- for you. He is no longer on that cross, but the fact remains that He did suffer and die and was resurrected again and lives today. The tomb is empty, sin and death is defeated and we are victors in Christ! He gave His life that we might live, have life and more abundantly!

Death brings life! I am so grateful for Jesus Christ and what He suffered for me. Yes, Calvary was cruel and agonizing, but it was with joy that our Savior went to that cross- for you and me. (Hebrews 12:2). And now it is great joy that He brings to those who repent of their sin and accept the forgiveness offered to us.  He came to give us abundant life.  This Good Friday, take the time to slowly and thoughtfully read the scriptures regarding this.  Let it get deep into your bones, into your soul.  If you have never asked for and received His forgiveness, do so now, before it is too late.  You will never be sorry that you did.  

The crimson cross

Sins as scarlet

Blood that washes white as snow  

Life everlasting

Death to Life

~Donna