Getting Out Of Our Own Way!
One of the most widely known signs or symbols across the world is the cross. Whether others believe it or not, most people know that it represents Christianity, and where Jesus was crucified. But one of the most amazing scriptures that is not often referenced as frequently has to do with our crucifixion. What did he just say – did he just say our crucifixion?
Scripture:
“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
Observation/Application:
This verse can certainly cause one to pause, step back, and take notice. Paul is saying that he has been crucified, yet he is still alive. So how can he be crucified if he is still alive? I mean, if he is alive, then certainly he cannot be dead. What is he talking about here? Has he lost his mind?
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Paul would say that he absolutely has lost his mind. He lost his old mind, and replaced it with the mind of Christ. He would also say that he lost his old body, and that his new body is the body of Christ. What Paul is saying here is that for us to be of Christ, we must lose ourselves. We must put aside our old self, our flawed self, our sinful past, and be made new. The things of our past no longer exist, the mistakes that we made no longer exist. The small-minded, limited, self-conscious, ego-driven, greedy, hateful, jealous, non-trusting self has died. Everything dirty, everything imperfect has been washed clean. And a new life begins, a fresh start, a do-over, and for golfers, that was our mulligan. Our old self, our bad start, our first shot – it didn’t count!
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And when we accept Christ and fully surrender to Him, we have a life that is brand new, built upon the rock of Jesus Christ, filled with the power and goodness of God our Father. And we can put our trust fully in Him. And Christ, who now lives in us through the power of the Holy Spirit, can take control. And God never lets us down. He always fulfills his promises. And His Word is always truth! Anything and everything that we have, say, or do, we can bring before God our Father and seek His guidance. And when we do, he will never lead us wrong.
Take a moment today, and see yourself hanging there on the cross. It’s hard to imagine, right? Nails going through your hands, nails going through your feet. Knowing that you are hanging there and dying for the very people who have no idea what they are doing. I’m certain that is not something that I could do, especially for people who cursed me, spit on me, and hated me and they didn’t even know me!
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But that is how much God loves you. That he would send His Son to take the weight of the world on His shoulders, so that we wouldn’t have to! We can be saved by God’s grace, through our faith, in Jesus Christ. This is what it means to be crucified with Christ, so we can move on from our past, be washed clean, and made brand new!
Prayer:
Dear heavenly Father, thank you for your Word today! We are so thankful that you loved us so much to send your Son to take the weight o the world in His shoulders Lord. We are so humbled, and grateful. Let us honor you Lord with our lives. Fill us with your goodness Lord. Forgive us of our past Lord. Wash us clean. Make us new. Help us to know that you are always with us Lord. Help us to feel your Presence Lord, and to keep us close to You! Help us to see you there with us always Lord – in the conference room at work, in the solitude of our house when we are there sitting there by ourselves. At all times and in all places, help us to see You, to know You, to hear You, and to trust You! Guide our every step, our every word, our every thought. Keep us from temptation Lord. Strengthen us, encourage us, and give us boldness to walk in Your truth! Fill us with wisdom and understanding, peace, and love! Let the joy of the Lord fill our hearts today. Let your light shine so bright in us Lord, that others will come to know and trust in You too. We give you all the honor and glory in Jesus mighty name. Amen.
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