"I would not have preached the honor and glory of the cross, if I feared the death of the cross." These were the words of the Apostle Andrew when the proconsul threatened him with death on the cross if he did not stop preaching the gospel. Andrew could not stop proclaiming that which he loved most and therefore was taken out to be crucified. As he went he proclaimed: "O cross, most welcome and long looked for! With a willing mind, joyfully and desirously, I come to thee, being the scholar of Him which did hang on thee: because I have always been thy lover, and have coveted to embrace thee." (Deny Yourself by: Steve Gallagher, pg 2)
Am I afraid to speak about the honor and glory of the cross because I fear death on the cross itself? Do I not realize that it was for me that He died and He did so on the accursed tree? Do I say that I love Christ and then shrink back from the very thing that has allowed me access to Himself?
Oh, that I might have the same attitude that the Apostle Andrew had! That I might have the reality of the cross and yet be so overwhelmed by the peace and love of the Lord as to have no fear of it. That I would look ever to it, longing to embrace it as my Savior embraced it before me and for me!
I do not mean merely the physical death on the cross but the day to day death that proclaiming the Lord brings about, death to the world, to sin, and the death to self!
May I speak and act in such a way that it is evident that I have already died the death of the cross and that it is no longer I who live but Christ who lives in me!
Am I afraid to speak about the honor and glory of the cross because I fear death on the cross itself? Do I not realize that it was for me that He died and He did so on the accursed tree? Do I say that I love Christ and then shrink back from the very thing that has allowed me access to Himself?
Oh, that I might have the same attitude that the Apostle Andrew had! That I might have the reality of the cross and yet be so overwhelmed by the peace and love of the Lord as to have no fear of it. That I would look ever to it, longing to embrace it as my Savior embraced it before me and for me!
I do not mean merely the physical death on the cross but the day to day death that proclaiming the Lord brings about, death to the world, to sin, and the death to self!
May I speak and act in such a way that it is evident that I have already died the death of the cross and that it is no longer I who live but Christ who lives in me!