THE ROYAL THRONE.
The disciples had hoped for thrones and power to rule beside Jesus, but the throne on which He pronounced His greatest edict was a cross. On it He prayed for forgiveness for His executioners. From it He promised paradise for the thief on a neighboring cross. And because of His royal sacrifice, the Father “delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son.” Like the people of Malachi’s day, who saw evil running rampant, we may not understand all that is happening in the world around us. But we trust that in Christ God has made “peace by the blood of His cross.” So lift high the cross, for by it our sins are forgiven and paradise is open to us!