At the Cross

Dan Howard   -  

In his last devotion the good Mr. Skiver talked about my ongoing relationship with the large cross that hangs above my head every worship service. I get asked a few times a year whether it makes me nervous to stand underneath the free hanging cross. Especially this time of year when the fans and the air conditioning put a little bit of “swing” on it. I will say there are times it swings just enough to get into my peripheral vision, and it used to make me nervous. After all, it was hung on that cable several decades ago! Those who know me well know how quickly I go to humor as a defense. Indeed, my go to has been a line along the path of what Steve wrote…A pastor killed by cross most certainly would be a notable headline. But I am going to be honest here.

I desire to live my life under the cross.
Under the cross, at the foot of the cross…I lay my life down in submission to what was done for me on the cross. Thy will be done Lord. Thy will be done.

I desire to live my life beside the cross.
As I stand next to that cross, I can’t help but feel like the thief on the cross
“Jesus remember me when you come into your kingdom”

I desire to live my life upon a cross.
In this weeks Gospel Jesus will speak the words “If anyone desires to come after me, let them pick up their cross and come after me.” To be a Christian is to live a life of sacrifice. Often times it is words of peace in the midst of agony that make people realize our confession, our faith, is real.

I desire to live my life behind the cross.
When God looks at me, may He see the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ. Nothing I will ever do on my own will be worthy of Him, yet with the blood of Christ I am a temple of the Holy Spirit.

I know a day is coming when I will be called home. On that day I will live above the cross. For he traded my guilt and shame for His life, and life forever.

The only place I don’t desire to be…is ahead of the cross.
The words of our Lord were “follow me.”

Follow me. Indeed, these simple two words will lead me through the valley of the shadow of death. Through many dangers, toils, and snares.

His grace will lead me home.
So to take this devotion home…

Under the cross. No, I don’t fear being under the cross.
I would fear being without the cross… but that thought never crosses my mind. After all it is written in Hebrews 13:5 “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Because of that, I will live my life cross eyed.

God bless my friends,

  • Pastor Dan