“Cross my heart, hope to die.”
I was overhearing a conversation between two children on the playground. I smiled as I reminisced that I often quoted the same verse when making a promise to another friend. What is the origin of this phrase? One explanation suggests it was derived from a 19th century poem by an unknown author.
Cross my heart
and hope to die
stick a needle in my eye
wait a moment,
i spoke a lie
i never really
wanted to die.
but if I may
and if I might
my heart is open
for tonight
though my lips are sealed
and a promise is true
i won’t break my word
my word to you…..
While I cannot authenticate this poem, I believe it is plausible. Many pundits aver that “cross my heart” refers to the sign of the Cross and this is probably true. How did the sign of the Cross come to represent an unbreakable promise? Couldn’t someone swear a promise by the beating of their heart or the surety of the sun rising in the morning? Perhaps it is because the Cross represents something more than a biological or natural phenomenon.
Adopt the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus, who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God as something to be exploited. Instead he emptied himself by assuming the form of a servant, taking on the likeness of humanity. And when he had come as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death—even to death on a cross. For this reason God highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow—in heaven and on earth and under the earth—and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Philippians 2:5-11 (CSB)
The Cross is God supernaturally intervening in the events of His Creation. Jesus Christ is God but He laid aside the glory that He had in Heaven with His Father and became a man. He could have entered this world as a supreme king but instead, took the form of a servant and lived a sinless life. He obeyed God, the Father, and willingly allowed Himself to be tortured and executed on the Cross. Three days later, God resurrected Him from the dead proving that He alone has the power to conquer death and free us from the bondage of our sins.
Cross my heart.
It is a solemn promise. It cost Jesus Christ His life to bring salvation and eternal life to all who confess and repent of their sins and place their trust in Him.
Amen!
Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.
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