The geographical heart of 19th century London was Charing Cross. Locals just referred to it as “the Cross.” There is a great story that circulated among evangelical preachers of that time about “the Cross.”
It seems a London police officer found a sobbing little boy who was lost. And unable to tell the officer where he lived. Finally amid the tears the little fellow said, “If you will take me to the Cross, I think I can find my way home from there.”
It is believed that Jessie Pounds, an Ohio woman, who wrote over four hundred hymns, heard that story and penned the classic “The Way of the Cross Leads Home.”
I must needs go home by the way of the cross,
There’s no other way but this;
I shall ne’er get sight of the Gates of Light,
If the way of the cross I miss.
I must needs go on in the blood-sprinkled way,
The path that the Savior trod,
If I ever climb to the heights sublime,
Where the soul is at home with God.
Then I bid farewell to the way of the world,
To walk in it nevermore;
For my Lord says, “Come,” and I seek my home,
Where He waits at the open door
Refrain:
The way of the cross leads home,
The way of the cross leads home;
It is sweet to know, as I onward go,
The way of the cross leads home.
On that Friday prior to the Passover, Jesus walked that way. The way of the cross. The way of rejection. The way of suffering. The way of humiliation. The way of pain.
But it was also the way to fulfill the Father’s plan. The way to bring pardon to the human race imprisoned by Satan and bound by sin. The way of peace. Peace from haunting fears. Dread. And worry . Peace of mind that surpasses understanding. Peace within. Peace with God. Peace with others.
The way of the Cross is the way of salvation. A way to access the blood Jesus. A way to divine association. The way of the cross is the way of redemption. Reconciliation. Restoration.
But the way of the cross is a way I must also walk. A cross that is mine to bear. A cross of commitment. Consecration. Transformation. It is a cross that exposes my own sinfulness. Shame. And short-comings. A cross of suffering. A cross of ridicule. A cross of isolation.
But it is a cross that leads home. Following Friday’s crucifixion was Sunday’s celebration. The resurrection! For forty days Jesus openly displayed the Father’s power. Might. And dominion. And also His glory, honor and grace.
When Jesus ascended from the disciples sight, he returned home. Heaven’s host cried, “Let the King of glory come in!” as the everlasting gates were lifted and the eternal doors were opened.
And the GOOD NEWS for you and me is that the way of the cross leads home for us! The way of the cross is a way of hope. A way of joy. A way to Heaven!
“But may it never be that I would boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.” (Gal. 6:14)
It’s Friday! But Sunday’s coming!
–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman
ThePreachersWord 
Amen!!!
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Reblogged this on ThePreachersWord and commented:
Here’s a post from the past for all of our new readers. And I hope our long time readers profit from reading it again. Have a great day!
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Thanks Ken for the good story and good message!
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glad to see this once again
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