The Deliverance of the Cross

These are the shadows of things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.  (Colossians 2:17)

Holy Week may be the greatest "reality check" that we all have.  In the midst of dreams and disappointments, Jesus's road to and beyond the cross stands as a stark contrast.  It shows us that we typically greatly overestimate our own ability and goodness and greatly underestimate God's ability and goodness.  So we find reality.

The cross is not a requirement of mere suffering or sacrifice for followers of Jesus.  We serve a God who says, "I desire to show you mercy, not demand your sacrifice."  The part of us that suffers is the part that needs to die: our merely self-gratifying desires.  The cross stands as the ultimate sign of the frustration of such desires.

We need someone to deliver us from the black hole of self-gratification.  It takes more than putting such desires to death.  It takes a new way of life and a completely new foundation:

In just the same way as you took the Christ, even Jesus, the Lord, to your side at one point, 

  keep walking with Him, 

  since you have been planted in Him 

    and are rooted in Him, 

    and are building your lives upon Him,

  and are developing inner strength by your trust.

Do all this just as you were taught, 

  while being excessive in your gratefulness to God. (2:6-7)

Just as the cross points to the resurrection, so the putting to death of our earthly desires points to something greater for our desires to focus on.  As we plot the destruction of such things that enslave us, we can begin to see something new sprouting from our soul: new thoughts, new feelings, a new sense of purpose, new relationships.  Take note of these things or you may find yourself slipping into a grudging and grinding spirituality rather than the freedom that Christ gives.

Paul gives a few warnings about going in the wrong direction (2:23).  Do not "worship" the will or rely too heavily upon it.  If you do you will find yourself exhausted before the day is done and falling back into the habits you are trying to fight.  

Do not humiliate yourself.  Talking down to yourself will actually lead you back to your "coping mechanisms."  Speak to your heart like you would a little child, kindly and carefully.  

Do not focus on practices that are hard on the body.  Habits are not destroyed in a day.  Just like working yeast through dough kneed good practices into your live and bad practices out.  A little bit can go a long way.  This is more of a marathon than a sprint.

I want to encourage you.  Use what is helpful.  Share how God is dealing with you so that other people can benefit.

May you find the joy of increasing freedom from sin and of service to Christ and his kingdom this week!

(A letter to my fellow pilgrims I meet with)