His cross and my cross!
Verse for Today: Friday, September 13, 2013
Galatians 6:14 – May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world!
The cross is a sign of curse and condemnation. Carrying the cross results in mockery, ridicule and despising. But it was through the cross that the salvation of the world has come. The cross was the theme of abominable songs in the world, but today it is the central theme of heavenly worshipers. The cross of Jesus has accomplished freedom from sin and Satan. But today the message of the cross is hated by people even as they use it to decorate their homes, churches and even their necks. But the cross is the theme of the sweet song of salvation for God’s children. If they are anything and if they have accomplished anything in life, it is only by salvation through the cross. The cross is the beginning of our life in Christ accomplished through His death on it. In that sense, we can boast about our salvation and all blessings in the heavenly places through the cross. When we boast about the cross, it is also an assertion that we don’t desire to boast in anything else in this world. Such allegiance to the message and power of the cross becomes the daily meditation of our hearts. Thus when the cross of our Lord and the cross that we carry for Him become the centre of our vision, it dynamically changes our priorities, likes and dislikes. Our goals in life result in a reasonable response to the love of God demonstrated on the cross of Calvary. The cross becomes our daily challenge in life to walk worthy of it. It is a life starting from the foot of the cross, as we carry our cross to march in the footsteps of Jesus. The old rugged cross of our Lord Jesus would thus make a difference in our life of faith.
Dear reader, are you struggling to obey the call of Jesus for you to carry your cross and walk after Him? It is a life with the focus of the cross in all aspects of our lives including our aspirations, plans and priorities. It is a life which puts our trust in the One who had no place to lay His head when foxes had their holes and birds had their nests. It is life of faith and trust in the Lord that He would lead, guide and strengthen us to face all challenges in life. It is a life abandoned on the Lord and His perfect will for us. It is willing tenacity to reject all that the world offers us including positions, possessions, prestige and prominence. It is a life which hides behind the cross to do all things as unto the Lord and for His eyes only. It is a life surrendered to Him for His use as it pleases Him. Such a life is well invested for heaven in the earthen vessels, to be broken for Him daily so that the light inside will exemplify Jesus. Such a life will thirst for Him just as the deer pants for the brooks. A life which carries the cross boasts in all that we are and have in and through Jesus Christ and invest it all for the glory of His kingdom. Apostle Paul had such a desire to hide behind the cross because the cross of Jesus captivated his life. He was willing to pay the last penny to carry the cross. The life of the cross challenges us today to enjoy the greatest thrill of carrying the cross.
Luke 9:23 – If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me.
Thought for Today
When we have the vision of the cross of our Lord, our daily cross becomes a privilege rather than a burden.
Prayer for Today
Dear Lord Jesus: Fill all my vision today with Your cross so that I may deliberately chose to carry my cross and walk after You. Amen!
______________________________
