Tree of the Holy Cross

by Pastor Ken

Isaiah 12:2

Behold, God is my salvation. I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the LORD, the LORD, is my strength and song; and he has become my salvation.

The following quotation is from the medieval canon Thomas à Kempis. It impressed me a lot, so I want to share it with you, with a little modification.

Plant the Tree of the Holy Cross

Plant in the garden of your memory, the tree of the Holy Cross. It produces a very effective medicine against all the suggestions of the devil.

Of this noblest and fertile tree, the root is humility and poverty. The bark is labor and penitence. The branches are mercy and justice. The leaves are true honor and modesty.

The scent is sobriety and abstinence. The beauty is chastity and obedience. The splendor is right faith and firm hope. The strength is magnanimity and patience.

The length is long-suffering and perseverance. The breadth is benignity and harmony. The height is charity and wisdom. The sweetness is love and joy.

And the fruit is salvation and life eternal.

Yes, “In Jesus Christ on the Cross, there is a refuge; there is safety; there is shelter, and all the power of sin upon our track cannot reach us when we have taken shelter under the Cross that atones for our sins.” — A. C. Dixon


Reflection

Today, how can I experience Jesus, who died on the cross, as the source of my strength, song, and salvation?


Prayer

Precious Savior, Thank You for the cross of Jesus. Let me find refuge, comfort, safety, healing, songs, and glory there. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.