Introduction

In his book Once upon a Tree, Calvin Miller writes about an experience years ago when he went to a movie. This was in a day (that some of you don't know existed) when you dressed up for movies, and at the intermission you'd go out just like you do at the theater or a concert. He was attending one of those epic biblical movies that came out in the sixties. He writes,

Just before the intermission the crucifixion was presented in breathtaking color and drama. As Jesus died on the screen there in that movie, a terrible dark storm formed behind him. The camera caught rivulets of blood flowing from the wounds in Jesus' hands. The rivulet of blood would flow down the cross and into a depression in the stone at the base of the cross. Then the rain began to fall. The rain accumulated in that small basin and mingled with the red. Soon the pool filled to overflowing and began trickling down the mountainside. The small red rile combined with other torrents of rushing water, and finally it became a great crimson tide for this world's salvation. But more than that, for my salvation.

Suddenly it was the intermission, and Miller jostled his way to the theater lobby.

In the lobby men laughed and chattered as though nothing had happened. Jewelry-bedecked women tossed their heads with lighthearted caprice. Children clamored for a drink at the water fountain. A noisy line formed at the concession booth. It was not that I had gone to that lobby expecting everyone to be collected in little prayer groups or hear them singing "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross."

Most people who see the cross are not impressed with it. They can see it and walk away and forget it. Yet the Christian who sees the cross and esteems it ...

Lee Eclov recently retired after 40 years of local pastoral ministry and now focuses on ministry among pastors. He writes a weekly devotional for preachers on Preaching Today.