By Melissa Pressley
The brakes! I really should have remembered the brakes. I had bundled ten-month-old Gabriel quickly into his stroller, eager to get outside and begin our grand adventure! I started to push the stroller along the driveway. It was hard going; either Gabriel had put on considerable weight, or I was suffering a bout of weakness. Suddenly, I realized I had not released the brake!, I reached down and did so, and then we were off.
It was a lovely November afternoon, blue skies, warm, a gentle breeze—perfect for an afternoon stroll. Our driveway curves and has small inclines. Gabriel seemed as happy as I was to be outside. He was smiling and making all kinds of noises and wiggling his feet. I walked by the side of the stroller as I pushed it, so I could see what he was doing.
Sometimes we went fast, then slow, then in a circle; we were both having a great time! Gabriel looked so adorable, with that cute little face, that I could not resist any longer, I stopped the stroller and bending down in front of him, gave him a big kiss. I tried not to leave any lipstick on those pudgy cheeks, as I had been known to do before! Then I just stood there looking into his eyes.
As I did so, the small silver cross I was wearing slid out from inside my shirt and was swinging back and forth. Gabriel saw it, reached for it and grabbed ahold of it with his little hand. He did not move it from side to side or try and pull it from my neck, he just held onto it while he looked up at me.
As I stood there I heard the Lord quietly speak to me, “Melissa, grab ahold of the cross; do not ever let go.” Such simple words, such a sacred moment.
As we spend time with children in any capacity, we need to share with them all that Jesus accomplished for us on the cross, the incredible sacrifice on our behalf and the life that we can now have.
So dear friends, children young and children old, what is it that I wish for you now and in the days ahead? It is simply this that you would reach out and grab a hold of the cross and never let go!
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for Your great love for us that you would lay down Your life for us by dying on the cross. Thank You that You rose again so we can have eternal salvation and live with You forever. Let us walk in Your grace and apply the finished work of the cross each day of our lives. May we embrace the full understanding of everything You imparted to us through your obedience and death, and may we live in total victory as sons and daughters in Your kingdom. To You and You alone be all glory, honor and praise! For You truly are the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
Divine Exercises and Journal Prompts
- List 3 specific ways Jesus set us free and brought salvation to us through His death on the cross.
- List 3 things that the cross means to you as you walk with Jesus.
- List 3 ways you can minister to others the reality and power of the cross.
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