Linger Longer at the Cross

April 19, 2019
5:46 pm

‘Linger Longer at the Cross’

As a church we have been spending each Sunday during Lent thinking about the people who witnessed the crucifixion. Real people with thoughts, experiences and responses like ours. The criminal on the cross who asked Jesus for forgiveness, Mary the mother of Jesus, who watched her son die the most cruel death and the Centurion who declared as Jesus died “Surely this man was the Son of God!” (Mark 15:39) As each of these people saw Jesus on the cross, they were aware of someone who was more powerful than the authorities ordering his crucifixion. Those who chose to linger longer at the foot of the cross became aware of the awesome power of the cross. On the cross God showed His love for all of us by sending his son Jesus to take upon himself every bitter thought, every evil deed, such was His extravagant love for humankind. Those who lingered at the foot of the Cross discovered a hidden power, the power of God’s love.

Today, on this Good Friday, each of us has the opportunity to linger longer at the cross, to contemplate what that might mean for us. The power of the cross is that no-one is excluded from Jesus’ love; each of us only need to accept it for ourselves.

Let’s take time today to Linger Longer as we read these words of Jesus in a poem by Heather Harder. We need to linger there to discover the more profound meaning of Easter.

“In My presence is fullness of joy :: You are welcome :: come and stay :: Drink deep of My love :: It flows for you day after day :: Linger longer :: stay with Me :: Linger longer :: it’s here you’re free :: Rest at My feet :: it’s here our hearts meet :: Linger longer :: Linger longer :: Come to Me and know My rest :: Let My peace fill every part :: Press in deeper still :: Dwell in the depths of My heart :: You’re My love :: You’re My bride :: You’re My joy :: and My pride :: Won’t you come :: won’t you stay :: Let My face light the way :: Won’t you come :: won’t you stay :: Won’t you come :: won’t you stay :: Linger longer :: stay with me”

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I was sat on the top of Clieves Hill eating a jar of chilli pickles with my sister, discussing how stressful my life was, how unhappy I was with my financial situation and trying to be the perfect Mum. I was looking for work and trying to fight my son’s corner who was being bullied in secondary school. I was feeling very alone, worse than I have felt in a long time. Things had now got the better of me and I was starting to crumble big time and my marriage was falling apart. My sister had just completed the Alpha Course and she told me how it had changed her life. She was eager to share her story and convinced me that the Alpha Course would be spiritually beneficial to me and my family. I agreed with my sister and suggested to my husband that the Alpha Course could be beneficial to both of us. He agreed and my sister kindly baby sat for us. My sister, my rock: I believe that God was working through her that night. My husband and I decided to give our marriage one last go. The Alpha Course has helped me to become more spiritually aware. It has saved my marriage and I have allowed Jesus to become part of my everyday thoughts and prayers since doing the Alpha course.”

“I decided to do the Alpha Course this January. My wife suggested that we experience it together. I had nothing to lose as I was continuously angry with my circumstances and always stressed over the little things. My family life and marriage were under strain, so I thought I would give it one last go. I knew a few of my family members had done the Alpha Course and I had heard good things about it. I had also noticed the changes in their lives. I went to the meetings, had a meal with my wife and made new friends, something I hadn’t done in a long time due to the unsociable working commitments as a chef. During our meetings we had discussions about God and Christianity and what it really meant to me. My relationship with God was growing and I prayed and thanked him more. I noticed things starting to change, I have become more humble and less stressed over the little things. I have become slow to anger and faster in understanding others. My pace has slowed down and my family has noticed the changes in me. I now feel an inner peace within myself. My circumstances are changing and I have learned to trust God, I have passed the control to him. My marriage and my family life is no longer under strain.”