AN  EASY  CROSS  TO  BEAR

By Rev. Dean Beaty 11/4/08

The music was great just like at home.

Except that the words were arranged in a poem.

I felt really good from the message I heard.

She talked about love and my emotions were stirred.

They talked of a cross that all men should bear.

So I shouldered the weight without worry or care.

But as I grew older the weight became more;

And bearing my cross became a great chore.

I happened upon a wood cutter one day,

Borrowing his ax, I whittled away.

Oh, that was better; the weight was now less.

But it was now shorter; that I’ll confess.

The years rolled along; and I neared heaven’s gate.

I came to a chasm; but the distance was great.

“I’ll take this cross that I’ve carried so long,”

“Then I’ll walk across to join the glad throng.”

But the length was too short since I cut down the weight.

And I couldn’t go back; I had waited too late.

The cross of the Lord may be heavy indeed.

But the blood of His cross is all that you need.

THE  PRICE  OF  THE  CROSS

By Rev. Dean Beaty 11/4/08

The old store was closing, it had started to fail.

A sign in the window; “CHEAP CROSSES FOR SALE.”

I knew what they meant; the price was now less.

A sure second meaning is there nonetheless.

Is that what you’re seeking a cross with no price;

A cross that is easy with no sacrifice?

Was that the thought that entered Christ’s mind;

When He came to earth leaving heaven behind?

No!  He died in shame while bearing our sin.

Beaten and scourged again and again.

Dying for me; His life’s blood He gave;

That I might be saved from hell and the grave.

His cross was not cheap, it cost God His Son.

By His sacrifice; our salvation He won.

His love for my soul was fully displayed.

The blood of the cross was the price Jesus paid.