MARCH 28, 2024
I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me - Galatians 2:20 (NIV)
One of the great exchanges that took place on the cross was Jesus being punished so that we might be forgiven and redeemed, a testament to His love for us. As Isaiah 53:5 says, "the chastisement of our peace was upon him," and by His wounds, we are healed. Every punishment due to us because of our sin or iniquity is removed by the mercies of Jesus Christ.
Through Jesus, the cross—an emblem of suffering and shame—was turned into a profound symbol of hope, standing apart as a universally recognized icon. Its power holds a mystery that remains deeply relevant for us when navigating the trials and tribulations of life.
When Jesus was crucified on the cross, it symbolized not only his sacrifice but also the bearing of our own flaws, mistakes, and wrong choices (Colossians 2:14). Just as Jesus was crucified, we too are called to crucify our flesh daily, an ongoing process as we face temptations that seek to deviate us from the plans and purposes Christ has for our lives and ultimately test our faith or lead us to sin.
One way we can work to crucify the desires of the flesh or resist sin is through prayer (Matthew 26:41). By praying and submitting ungodly desires and motives on the cross, we participate in the transformative work of the cross in our lives, allowing it to serve as an antidote to temptation. Prayer serves as a shield (Ephesians 6:10-18), a bridge, and a source of strength, enabling us to lay our burdens, sins, and weaknesses at the foot of the cross to seek guidance, strength, and redemption. This is the mystery of the cross!
Beyond its transformative power, the cross marks the transition from the old covenant to the New Covenant (1 Corinthians 11:25-26). Under the old covenant, we were held captive and bound by sin, weighed down by its repercussions. However, through Jesus' sacrifice on the cross, we were ushered into a New Covenant characterized by mercy, grace, and redemption. The cross of Jesus has given us a fresh start. Hallelujah!
The cross is the meeting point of mercy and grace. Mercy shields us from the punishment we deserve, while grace grants us blessings we don't deserve. Ephesians 1:7 reminds us that "In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace." Mercy removes our punishment, and grace grants us forgiveness for past, present, and future sins. We can receive forgiveness for every area of our lives, even for generations unborn, by the grace of God. Mercy takes away our punishment, and the grace of God delivers forgiveness. Mercy removes bodily harm, and grace grants healing. Mercy removes poverty, and grace brings us into the riches of Christ (Ephesians 2:4-7).
The cross stands as a timeless symbol of hope and redemption. As we embrace the mystery of the cross and allow its significance to permeate every aspect of our lives, we find solace in the promise of mercy and grace.
Song of Worship
I thank you for the cross of Jesus (x4)
The great mighty altar
Song: I Thank You for the Cross of Jesus. Composer Unknown
Prayer - Father I crucify my flesh in Jesus' name. Every desire of the flesh contrary to the desires of the Spirit. Father let them be crucified now. Lord, I receive grace to daily crucify this body. I pray Lord Almighty that I will not fall into temptation. I pray that You deliver me from trouble in the name of Jesus, I walk in that consciousness and give no occasion to the flesh. In the name of Jesus, I say I am the circumcision of Christ, so it is, and it shall be. In Jesus' mighty name I pray. Say Amen!
Bible in 1 year: Judges 9-10
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