Today we come to the concluding part of our series on the study of different aspects of the cross in our lives...
Spurs...
Indescribable Heavenly rewards aside (Rom 8:18/1 Cor 2:9), what finally spurs a Christian as he is bearing the Cross is the unshakeable true belief that His Heavenly Father would not, at any time, allow any unbearable Cross to rest on his shoulders ("No trial has overtaken you that is not faced by others. And God is faithful: He will not let you be tried beyond what you are able to bear, but with the trial will also provide a way out so that you may be able to endure it." 1 Cor. 10:13 NET). Besides this fact, no particular type of Cross would rest forever on
his shoulders during his earthly sojourn.
Yes. if we wish to walk humbly and lovingly with our Heavenly Father, cross-bearing is indispensable for us. The type of cross, however, will not be a constant. For instance, the same emotional problem may not buffet us perpetually. In its place may come "a more convenient load" to carry: "And, after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace who called you to his eternal glory in Christ will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you." (1 Pet. 5:10 NET. See also 1 Peter 5:6-10). Minus that "new load", however, whi
ch our Heavenly Father in His sovereign, infinite wisdom places on "our shoulders", we would spiritually "collapse".
The Christian life is amazing. While it may seem to us that we are walking with a bent back courtesy the cross, it is actually that cross (in the Lord's sight) that is making us walk "uprightly"...figuratively speaking. A holy irony indeed! Reminds us of an erstwhile "deceiver" Jacob walking "uprightly" in the spiritual realm (post the ethereal wrestling bout), only after starting to limp, "physically" maimed as he was, by the all-knowing good Lord, who desired his spiritual welfare above anything else (Gen 32:22-32)...
So folks, never be cross about the cross in your life!
Prayer: Father, we love You. Make us realize the significance of the different dimensions of the cross and to be also conscious of them at all times. In Jesus' name, Amen
Yours in His service,
Suresh Manoharan
An unworthy servant
J and SM Ministries
