The Power of the Cross

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

The cross of Christ is a terror to the natural man. Its verdict has but one end for the true disciple. Only as the victory of Christ within becomes of greater value than living unto ourselves do we embrace His Will with the same attitude that empowered Him on the Cross.

“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Hebrews 12:2

“Looking unto Jesus” from Whom faith comes to enable us to follow Him in the path of obedience.

“For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing,
but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”
1 Corinthians 1:18 (ESV)

The Greek rendering used in the scripture above is of supreme importance and reflects the correct understanding of the outworkings of the Cross. To “those who are perishing,” it is folly (foolishness). “But to us who are being saved,” it is the path to victory. Our attitude to all it represents is the criterion that determines our current walk with God. Paul included himself as one whose daily life was centred on embracing the cross, so that he could grow and abide in the power of God.

“Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus,
that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.”
2 Corinthians 4:10

“I die daily…”
1 Corinthians 15:31

The Gospel of today presents a gospel of the forgiveness of sins, a powerful truth, yet one that falls far short of His purpose.

“And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call His name JESUS:
for He shall save His people from their sins.”
Matthew 1:21

The salvation of God is to save us from our sins; from the angst, the penalty and the sorrow that sin brings into our lives. It is this power of God that brings us into His Joy, His Peace, and the abiding fruit of His Spirit. The “abundant life” of which He speaks (John 10:10) is the outcome for those who, of their own free will, choose to follow Him. Discipleship is not optional for those who desire a life of His fullness and freedom.

“And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me,
he cannot be My disciple.”
Matthew 21:6

SELAH

The ills, the anxieties, the strife and disunity that abound within the Christian community are the result of uncrucified lives. Jesus declared that the world will know that you are MY disciples IF you have genuine, unfeigned love toward one another. Stagnation, despair, bitterness and barrenness are the characteristics of an uncrucified Christian life.

It is easy to determine the genuine disciple.

“By this shall all men know that ye are My disciples,
IF ye have love one to another.”
John 13:35

Related Posts:

Crucified?

Crucified – By Watchman Nee

“With what reverence, brethren, should we, sinners, look upon the scene! As we see Him standing alone upon the mountain — fresh from His ordination of glory — calm and kingly in His heaven-imparted strength; and then as we see Him, with firm step, treading the dark avenue which, through desertion, agony, insult, abandonment, terminates in His death upon the cross — surely our distrust should vanish, and in reliance on such a champion we should have “joy in believing.” Surely our indignation against the vile sin which made all this suffering necessary should be roused within us. Surely our hearts should abound with a fervor of devotion and gratitude which the obedience of a lifetime can only inadequately express.”
— Wm. M. Punshon

The Power of the Cross

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Prayer: Be unto me, my precious Saviour, the means, the power and the joy of doing Your Will despite all the opposition within, the world around me and the spiritual forces who will do all they can to prevent me from doing Your Will. Save me from a life of mediocrity and bring me into the life that honours You.
Amen.

Brian Troxel