Symbols of defeat. No World Series or Super Bowl trophy.  Only “What happened?” No parade. Only a lonely trek home. No press lauding your achievement. If there is press it questions ability, heart, talent, and results. No “There beats the heart of a lion.” Just “There beats the heart of a lamb.”

The cross. A symbol of defeat to many. A lonely hill. No parade just a walk through the streets of Jerusalem carrying a cross. No press. Just a paper above a man hanging on a cross. No praise. Mockery. Insults. Ridicule. “If He is who He said is, come down.” No victor’s crown. A loser’s stance.

But ultimately…the winner. Losing the World Series or Super Bowl or whatever sporting event does not make an athlete a loser. He/she got further than 100’s of others. The cross may be seen as the symbol of defeat but I know different. God’s plan, as seen in Abraham and Isaac at Mt. Moriah (my personal Scripture reading for today), was God would provide a lamb (a sacrifice). He did then. He did 2000+ years ago. He’s still providing salvation through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross.

The cross was not and is not a symbol of defeat. It was, is, and always will be s symbol of victory.

“Father, thank you for the cross. It is not something to be ashamed of but grateful for. ‘Oh, the wonderful cross’ the song says. A symbol of ugliness and defeat becomes my victory. Praise You for the cross!”