There is a cross at the emperor's gate to ancient Rome's coliseum. the same place that saw the Apostle Paul beheaded and countless other Christians killed because of their faith in Jesus. A pope had the cross placed there many years ago as a symbol of the power and eternal aspects of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross 2,000 years ago.
I find it ironic that none of the emperors are immortalized here. The work of God and His power to overcome is highlighted. The cross is more than something to "behold", but is something to grab hold of every day. Using that same overcoming power we can apply it to life's crisis and hardships.
God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross. And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross. - Colossians 2:13-15
Always hold on the power of the cross of Christ. Amen?
