Whose Cross?

Here’s The Word:

1 Corinthians 1:17 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.

Galatians 6:14 But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.

Philippians 3:18 (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:

Colossians 1: 20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.

Colossians 2:14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;

I believe it’s good to develop an appreciation for discussion that doesn’t yield quick and easy answers. Although we mostly tend toward clear, concise direction, there’s also deep value that comes from serious consideration and meditation. Many people have a strong aversion to employing due diligence in trying to make sense of the Scriptures. From what I’ve seen, these people generally fall into two camps; the ones who believe, and for them, they've accepted the simple fact that Christ IS LORD...and that's enough – they don’t have to know nor do they have a desire to search it out. Others, those who don't believe and don't want to involve themselves in rigorous discovery, see the Bible as full of contradictions, not worthy of being taken seriously.

So, the Cross. How do we reconcile the idea of what it is and whose it is?

Here’s The Word:

Luke 14:27 And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.

Mark 8:34 And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

Matthew 10:38 And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.

This looks like we’re faced with two ideas – two Crosses. It begs the question:
    What is Christ’ Cross? What is our cross? How are they different?

Here’s a profound revelation: The Bible is a big book. (I thought you’d enjoy that). However, my point is this, in studying the Bible, we have to know when and how to zero in on certain particular verses with a magnifying glass and still see the consistency - just as we need to be able to step back and see that the Bible is still a singular idea of God’s revealing of Himself, His nature, His heart toward mankind and His plan to glorify The Son and the preparation and presentation of His Bride – evident from Genesis to Revelation.

Revelation 3:18, as part of the culmination of the plan of God in regards to man, sin, redemption and glorification of The Son, states that Christ is the Lamb who was slain before the creation of the world. This means, Christ’s cross – God’s method of reconciling was part of God’s plan all along – this of course, raises more reasons to ponder and meditate, yet nonetheless true.

If we are called by His name, and are seeking to know and be known by Him, we also have our own cross to bear. Our intent and affectionate desire to forsake any and everything (of obvious lesser value) internal or external, to attain to reverence of Christ in His proper place as Lord and Savior. His position as Word and eternal God already merit this but the reality of His Cross has now doubly earned it in that it humiliated and made a public scorn of the power of sin that prevented us, blinding us from seeing truth and glory in Him.

Colossians 2: 14 - 15 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.

I close with this: Make time and see value in meditation. Read the Scriptures, seek clarification and ponder them and what it could look like to embody those truths into your daily walk with Christ. Have a passion for the progression of your process. As a result, Christ will be glorified more and you will find deeper joy and more of a rich intimacy in Him. We carry our crosses while preaching His!

1 Corinthians 1:18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.


In Him,
Cros