Cross at the crossroads

The city of Effingham, Illinois, is the setting for one the largest Christian symbols I've seen. Known as "The Cross at the Crossroads," the giant white cross is situated quite near Interstate 57 just south of the city. The metal cross stands almost 200 feet in the air, 19 stories, and the cross-beam span is 113 feet. Its position near the interstate can be seen by more than 53,000 motorists per day. Interstate 70 also passes through Effingham heading east/west. Hence, the concept of the crossroads. There is a Welcome Center and Chapel at the site. The cross and center are maintained by private donations, as I understand it. Literature from the site says, "No symbol more clearly speaks of God's love."

The cross of Christ certainly is the most reverred emblem to believers for it reminds us of Christ's self-offering for our sakes. When we trust in Christ, we receive forgiveness of our sins and the assurance that, as Christ was raised from death, we too will inherit eternal life through him.

There is a sense, too, in which the cross of Christ has been raised "at the crossroads" of human experience. The crucifixion and resurrection of the Lord is the turning point of human history. Through this unparalleled event, God's grace has been offered to the world. All who trust in Jesus Christ as Lord will be saved. The cross of Christ extends over the millenia as the evidence of God's everlasting love.

Standing at the foot of that massive structure, I felt small and overwhelmed. But then I remembered that on the original cross, our Savior gave his life for me, and for all who believe in him, so that we no longer are small and insignificant, but rather joint-heirs with Christ in the Kingdom of God!