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"FROM THE CRADLE TO THE CROSS" "Save thyself, and come down from the cross." (Mark 15:30)The world hates Jesus Christ and His cross. It's foolishness to them (1 Corinthians 1:18). The world would rather cuddle up to the Babe in the crib than cherish the Blood on the cross. Multitudes fail to realize that the Lord Jesus was born to die. For all around that manger stood the cross. This sin-sick world doesn't recognize that the cradle pointed to Calvary.Oh, hear that nasty crowd that day while standing around with nothing better to do than to bellyache for a sign while casting their jeers at Him in Luke 23:35, "And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided him, saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God."Folks, He didn't save Himself that day, because I love to believe in my heart, although it's not recorded in Scripture, He looked down that long road that stretched some 2,000 years, and He saw you and He saw me already condemned for our unbelief and held captive in our filthy sins headed for Hell that was prepared for the devil and his thugs. But then, with every ounce of strength left in His beaten, bruised, and bloodied and body, I can almost visualize my Saviour lifting His weary eyes Heavenward and with a faint whisper which no one heard, "I believe I'll stay here, and finish the fight for freedom."Yes friends, the shadow of the Cross was witnessed from Heaven as all of Glory in its splendor lovingly looked upon that manger. For you see, the Lord Jesus was indeed born to die for sinners, and it fills my heart with joy unspeakable and full of glory that He didn't stay in His cradle; but rather, He chose to stay on His cross. Aren't you glad He stayed for you?