The Cross Reconciles Me To God

The Cross Reconciles Me To God

Since we were restored to friendship with God by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be delivered from eternal punishment by his life. So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God—all because of what our Lord Jesus Christ has done for us in making us friends of God. –Romans 5:10-11

Unpaid debts, unmet expectations, and unfinished business finally came to a head for my friends—two couples who were estranged from each other after a business venture hit hard times. Feelings were hurt and the friendship was fractured. They met to work it through, but their attempt seemed to only bring more issues to the surface. Then they found themselves standing at Gabe’s grave after everyone else had gone, and the four of them embraced. In the sobering reality of that moment, resentment gave way to reconciliation. I’ve always seen it as a beautiful benediction to Gabe’s life, and a blossom of hope growing out of his death.

Reconciliation is close to the heart of God. His desire for reconciliation with those he loves cost him the ultimate price—his Son. The Cross made it possible for you and me to be friends with God. Not merely his servants, but his friends!

Have you been thinking God is mad at you, that he sent difficulties into your life out of anger or retribution for your offenses against him or apathy toward him? God is not mad at you. In fact, he has gone to incredible lengths to restore his friendship with you. He did not wait for you to warm up to him, but in fact, while you were still his enemy, he paid the price of reconciliation with his life. He has taken the first costly step toward you. Won’t you take a step toward him and respond to his offer—not just of salvation but also of friendship?

The Cross is the means by which we reconcile not only with God but also with each other. “Together as one body, Christ reconciled both groups to God by means of his death, and our hostility toward each other was put to death” (Ephesians 2:16). When we’re standing at the foot of the cross, our disagreements and disappointments with each other don’t seem to matter so much. And as we gaze on Innocence upon the cross, we simply cannot hold on to the offenses we’ve built into walls. Now we can enjoy the depth and joy of friendship with each other that reflects our friendship with God.

Reconciler, I am in awe that God would go to such lengths to be my friend. Remind me to look at the Cross when reconciliation with my brother or sister seems to cost more than I am willing to pay.

DIGGING DEEPER