| "And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. |
When I was younger, every time when I came across this verse, I always felt inadequate and unworthy of Jesus who died for me. While the understanding of the price that Jesus paid on the cross had filled my heart with gratitude for my salvation, I was very afraid of bearing the same cross because I didn't (and still don't) think I have the will power to withstand the torture. I felt condemned!
However, lately under the teaching of Pastor Joseph Prince of New Creation Church has caused me to re-examine my interpretation of this verse, especially from the aspect of Christ finished work on the cross.
If Jesus has done a perfectly finished work on the cross, it would not make sense for God to demand us to take up the cross, and add our work to the finished work of Christ.
So unless we dare venture to think that Jesus did not do a perfect job on the cross and His sacrifice is not enough to exhaust God's holy wrath with our past, present and future sins, taking up of cross here doesn't apply to suffering through the pains and sorrows of sicknesses, financial lack, separation from you love ones, and all other curses and iniquities.
So now you may ask, then what does this taking of cross means? To me, this taking of cross means worthy discerning of Christ's perfect finished work on the cross, appreciating and appropriating all the blessings, which include health, wealth, family wholeness, that Christ had willingly foregone by Him.
Oh Father in heaven, I thank You for Your divine wisdom, that is able to turn an instrument of torture and curse, the cross, into a symbol of divine power. The divine exchange, that took placed over two thousand years ago on that old rugged cross, put all our sins and all the punishment of our sins on Christ while transferring all the blessings, due for sin-less Christ , onto all that believe in Him, AMEN!
No comments:
Post a Comment