What are you going to do with your cross?
In Luke 23, we find two criminals who had a lot in common, but who made very different decisions in one brief moment that impacted their eternities. It was a day of incredible significance to them, and not because it would be the last day of their lives, but because it was the day they met Jesus. Certainly their circumstances at the time of meeting Jesus are not enviable, but we all meet Jesus in different places in our lives. For them, it was on the cross. Two criminals, same place in life, similar backgrounds, one Savior, different responses.
One man met Jesus and refused to listen. He couldn’t get past himself and his own situation. His fear of death blinded him to the salvation that was right in front of him. The other criminal, however, was able to get past his own situation and recognized the injustice taking place as the Savior was being brutally killed for no reason. As his eyes were opened to the truth, he chastised the other criminal and asked Christ to remember him in glory.
The second criminal was not focused on keeping his physical life; he knew he was being justly punished. He was concerned about what was next, what was beyond his last breath, and he knew Jesus could somehow make it better.
The question today is what will you do with your cross? We will all have an encounter with Christ in which we have the chance to choose either Him or us, our way or The Way, selfishness or selflessness. When Christ spoke about picking up your cross and following Him (Mark 8:34), He meant turning all the rest of your moments over to Him. When we take up our cross and follow Christ, we are laying down our lives and pursuing instead the life He has for us. When we choose our own way, we are refusing to move past the cross. We are that criminal insulting Christ, only concerned with today and our own desires.
Take a few minutes and think about your life this week. Challenge your class to do the same. What are you doing with your cross? Are you willing to die to yourself and pursue Christ, or are you going to choose to ignore the Savior? Do you view Jesus as a source for quick help in difficult times or as the One who holds the keys to life and death? Your answer will determine what you do and who you will serve with your life.
There have been 3 replies so far
I like this blog alot. It’s been difficult for me to find some sort of jumping off point to begin my bible studies again. I had been away from God for a handful of years and currently I am feeling a little insecure about where to start and what level to start at. Thank you for this though, it is very helpful.
1 | vanessa
Sunday, April 5, 2009, at 1:57am
Vanessa- I have learned so much about my Heavenly Father recently as I have become a father myself. So many things I had read and been taught were now being understood. One thing I can tell you for sure, is that if either of my girls and I ever become separated for any reason, they will always be welcome back. My love for them will never change and there will never be any conditions on how they should return. The moment they come home they will always receive all the love I have. With God being the perfect Father, I have to believe He is like that but even more. Don’t be insecure or questioning what level to start at, just go home. He will be there waiting and He will take care of the rest. Just go home, your Father is waiting!
2 | chad Jordan
Sunday, April 5, 2009, at 6:39am
I feel the same as Vanessa. I ran from God on so many different levels becuase it wasnt “cool” to me and now I’ve been brought to a place where I need Him. So I’m trying to walk in my ministry and I have friends who are walking in their ministry as well but I feel like I’m on the outside looking in even thought I’m doing my best. And this blog gives me encouragment to try harder and to keep going because I am willing to crucify flesh and follow Him <33
3 | Monique
Monday, April 13, 2009, at 5:17pm
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