The Word of the Cross
“The word of the cross”, says plainly, Jesus died in shame because of my sins. Only this truth pierces my pride and self-centeredness . Jesus invited me to come to him through his words, “for I am meek and lowly in heart.” I have come, and I am being changed. Increasing humility is a litmus test for me. Pride and lying characterize Satan . He disguises pride and still snares me. But the Spirit continues to expose it, and through confession I am released again, and closer to Jesus .
If I believe Jesus bore the shame of my sins on the cross, of what can I boast? Only when I forget him can I swell with pride. The Lord’s supper reminds me, I live of him, like a branch of a vine. As a newborn one, I must receive his life. The supper is not a ritual to nurture the illusion of my righteousness, but a tangible reminder that I live only of him.
I have viewed the cross as a fact, a biblical starting point for many interesting and important truths. But it is a living word that repeatedly pierces my heart to impart the only Life that is eternal. I have been diverted from the word of the cross by sermons and songs, projects and socials that are without power to confront and convict my pride, and the lies that follow.
Only the word of the cross crucifies my pride, to receive the Spirit, who begat, and now nurtures in me, the true God's child-again.
6/13/04 , # 37