Jesus gave me a picture of the cross, and it was settled in my heart the reason for the struggle:
Not only are we not truly following the two great commandments as intended, which sum up both the law and prophets: "Love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, soul, mind and strength, and love your neighbor as yourself."
...But we are also not taking up our cross and denying self, which is what is required to be a disciple of Jesus: "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me."
Too many of us are clinging to the cross of Christ when things go wrong, covering our sin with the precious blood that cries out, "Father, forgive them", but not taking up our own cross in honor, gratitude and sincerity of heart for that precious blood so freely poured out for us all, and we are unwilling to give our own for the coming of His Kingdom.
We are weak, we are selfish, and we are not walking in this precious gift, freely given for all who come to Him: His Holy Spirit.
We put aside sound doctrine and teachings of sin, forgiveness, grace, faith, hope and love, as given us by our LORD and his apostles. We distort these things out of weakness and for selfish gain.
The blood of the martyrs of God cries out: "How long, oh Lord!"
If we, the church, would take up our cross alongside Christ, God's intent for her would give birth to revival and restoration in the land. "Your Kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven."
Are you willing to take up your cross? Are you willing to deny self? Are you willing to join the blood of the martyrs? Are you willing to join the voice of the martyrs? "How long, oh Lord!"
Each one should examine themselves and seek understanding.
We proclaim: "Come, Lord Jesus, come." Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment
If you have insight to offer our community, we would love to hear from you. Please know we maintain the right to decline any comment that violates the culture of our community.