April 7, 2019 -- Galatians 2:20 -- Living for Jesus

I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Galatians 2:20 ESV

It is a strange practice of some to wear a piece of jewelry that is a cross with a depiction of Jesus still on it. Crucifixion was a barbaric and intentionally cruel way of putting someone to death. It cannot be glamorized or romanticized. Jesus’ death by crucifixion was God’s just and full punishment of our sin upon the perfect Person of Jesus. He is the only One who lived a blameless life so that He could stand in our place and take the punishment for sin which we deserve.

Those who believe in Jesus Christ honor Him by putting to death whatever sin lingers in them. Intentionally. Persistently. Prayerfully. We put to death any lingering sin. The longer we are followers of Christ the more we hate sin. The longer we follow Christ the better we understand how wily sin is. The longer we follow Christ the greater is our understanding of His patient love as the Captain of our Salvation, teaching us the way of life and the strategies of battle. The longer we follow Jesus, the more precious to us is His Word. And the glory of Jesus is found in this: that we do not strive harder, try more or succeed in our own efforts, Jesus in His wisdom and love gives us His Holy Spirit Who strengthens us for battle, transforms our hearts so that we love the things of God more and more and know our enemy as well as better understanding how to disciple and discipline fellow soldiers of the cross.

Sundays are particularly precious to us. As believers we gather together and share our faith. We encourage one another and are encouraged the preaching of the Word. We notice those who are absent and pray for them. Intentionally desire to follow up with them so that they know they are missed, loved and part of something great: being soldiers in the Lord’s army. Death is defeated and new life is taking hold of us. And for those of us who recognize our failures and sins, we confess them. We exercise them out. We give thanks to God for His steadfast love that works so that we are being made holy, and ever more suited for His purposes.

Jesus, I admit my heart is cold. It can all seem so distant, so remote all that the Bible says You have done for me. Today in worship warm my heart. Today resuscitate this new life that You are giving me so that I will live, work, act and fight as Your faithful soldier. Amen.