The Cross by Dawn

“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith, Who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2 (NIV)

No matter how old we are in the Lord, we never outgrow the way or the need for the cross in our lives. Self-interest is the enemy of the cross and keeps us from walking in the way of the cross.

In the late 60’s and early 70’s our culture was in the middle of something called “The Jesus Movement.” Everywhere one went the name “Jesus was heard in conversations or in songs on the radio. At this time there were even two successful Broadway plays that centered on the life of Jesus, “Jesus Christ Superstar” and “Godspell.” People were giving their lives to the Lord and the name of Christ was being exalted. But in the midst of all that love, which was freely and lavishly given, it became apparent that it would cost us everything. Some fell away, while other continued to pursue the way, which led us directly to the cross. After all, a disciple is not above his teacher so what did we expect?

As the cross loomed before us it became a challenge to the “me generation.” Oh, we believed in helping others. There was definitely a growing social consciousness and we declared that love was the way to do it all. However, we soon discovered that our well of love ran dry and only the love of God was boundless and limitless. Selfishness and self-interest always showed up at some point and the answer was always the cross. One of Ted’s favorite sayings in those days was, “You gotta die to self!” Obviously we didn’t have long counseling sessions back then because the cross was the answer to every situation that involved self and flesh.

However, we soon learned that the big reason for embracing the cross was Resurrection Life; the abundant Life that Christ promised! Resurrection Life is true liberty and freedom to love and give. We long to be free from ourselves! Wouldn’t it be glorious to be free from self-interest and self-absorption? The cross is and always will be the way to the joy set before us as well, known as Resurrection Life!

When we allow the cross into our lives, which means Christ’s rule is greater than our rule, then God is faithful to raise us up and seat us with Christ in heavenly places (Colossians 3:1) and give us His life and His perspective in every situation. The way of the cross is not the goal. It is only the beginning. Resurrection life and the power over the world, Satan, and our self-centered lives are the goals! When we die to ourselves then we become more alive to God and His plans, His purposes, His will, His joys, provisions, abundance and on it goes.

Our God is generous and resurrection life is an example of His extravagance toward us. And what is amazing is that He longs to be extravagant! This had to be part of Christ’s God View that He saw from the cross. He despised the shame, yes, but the joy set before Him – Resurrection Life – was far greater! May we see this same view in our lives when we embrace the way of the cross that leads to abundant, Resurrection Life and power!