Be lifted up

The Exaltation of the Holy Cross

John 3:13-17

Being lifted could be one of the most consoling things we can ever experience.  After we've fallen or been thrown into the deep abyss, or simply felt sad and rejected, there would be someone who would lift us up, embrace us, cleanse us, and inspire us to go on through life. I've seen this in competitions, in the Olympic games, where the heated passion is in the winning, but there would be someone who would look back at the last line and go back to assist the fallen.

Such is Jesus to us.  He lifts us up as Moses lifts up the serpent in the desert and Jesus himself is lifted up on the cross.  He lifts us up from the following:

1. He lifts us up from our state of sin to grace

No one else would forgive us than Jesus himself.  And just when others would judge us, there would be a loving God who would embrace us and erase all our sins!

2. He lifts us up from our depressions to hope

When beset with anxieties and worldly concerns and we think that the whole world has fallen down on us, realize that Jesus is quick to be there to give us hope. 

3.  He lifts us up from death to life

When we are at the last stage of life and we think that no one else will accompany us in this last journey, realize that Jesus is there to lift us up and lead us to his everlasting home in heaven!