WHEN I SURVEY THE WONDROUS CROSS!

                                                                                                           by Richie Thetford

In Mark 15:21-41, we can read about the crucifixion of Jesus. These verses tell us what Jesus had to go through just before and during His death on the cross. As I read these words, tears come to my eyes because an innocent man, God's only Son, came to this earth and suffered and died so that I can have forgiveness of my sins if I am faithful and obedient to Him. It is sad that Jesus had to go through this agony, but I am glad He did so that I can look forward to being with Him in eternity. In these verses, there are several things that I see:

I SEE - the greatest act of love known to man. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life" (John 3:16). It is hard for me to know and understand the great love of God, our creator, for man - that He would send to this earth His only son, to live and die for me - a sinful man. I know that I am blessed because when I make the choice to live for Him fully and completely, then at the end of my life on earth I have comfort knowing that I will continue to live with Him throughout eternity.

I SEE - the reason and importance for Christ's sacrifice. "Therefore purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, since you truly are unleavened. For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us" (1 Corinthians 5:7). If Jesus' death on the cross means anything to me, then I will strive to purge out the old leaven (sin) and put on the new man of righteousness and service to Him. I must always remember that He was sacrificed for me. I know that I cannot take that for granted.

I SEE - the necessity of living like Christ lived. "For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:" (1 Peter 2:21). As I read the Bible and examine closely the life of Christ, I see God's Son living on this earth as I do, yet without sin. Therefore, I understand that it is absolutely necessary for me to follow His example, living my life like He lived. This attitude shapes who I am, being a faithful Christian, husband, father, and servant. Because of this, I am able to make good decisions through life by simply asking myself before doing anything, "what would Jesus do?" When answered honestly, the right decision is confidently made.

I SEE - the urgency of commitment to Christ. "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me" (Galatians 2:20). It is urgent that I am committed to Christ daily because I don't know how much longer that I will be living in the flesh on this earth. My commitment must be constant and unwavering every day. If I don't stand for Christ, then I'll fall for anything. Our heavenly Father is pleased with me when I am committed to serving His only Son.

I SEE - the joy of striving for Heaven. "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time." (1 Peter 1:3-5). It took the death and resurrection of Jesus to allow me to have the hope of heaven. When I love Him, live for Him, and am faithful and obedient to Him in all things, then I can know that Heaven will be my inheritance one day. I understand that I live in this world but I am not "of" the world. If I allow the pleasures of life to occupy my mind first and foremost, then I will not gain heaven. I am mindful of a sign I saw one time hanging above the front door in a home which read, "Heaven, don't miss it for the world!"

In conclusion, I remember the words from an often-sung gospel hymn: "I gave My life for thee, what hast thou given for Me?" My life is not all about me - it is about Jesus and serving Him diligently. What do you see when you "survey the wondrous cross?"

When Our Faith is Tested

by Jeff Curtis

James 1:3 says, “The testing of your faith produces endurance.” Probably, the “testing” he refers to meant persecution. The idea is that when a Christian’s faith is tested and he still remains faithful, he grows spiritually. Unfortunately, not everyone passes the test.

Is our faith ever tested? Are we ever tempted to give up on God? When life goes bad for us – because of personal sickness, bereavement, financial difficulties, family conflicts or personal problems – our faith is tested. Sometimes this is true even when our lives are going well. Prosperity can tempt us to be materialistic, for example. What do we do then? The experience of the Israelites as they stood on the shore of the Red Sea gives us a few guidelines.

When our faith is tested, we should remember matters are not as bad as they seem. That was true of the Israelites. They thought they had escaped. Imagine their joy! Then they reached the Red Sea, and their joy turned to despair. They faced the sea to their front and Egypt’s army to the rear (Exodus 14:9). The forces against them seemed to be overwhelming. They saw no hope, no way out. However, since we know the rest of the story, we know that there was a way of escape. Ultimately, God delivered them.

Like the Israelites, we tend to look at the negative, imagine the worst, and fail to see the positive possibilities when we are faced with problems. We must have faith that the situation is not as dark as it seems.

When our faith is tested, we should look to God. The Israelites “cried out to the Lord” (Exod. 14:10). That much they got right – but then they started to complain. In doing so, they showed two negative attitudes that continued to characterize them: forgetfulness and ingratitude. They forgot what God had done for them, and they were ungrateful for His blessings. Nevertheless, God responded to their cry by promising them deliverance. Moses assured them that God would rescue them: “Do not be fear! Stand by and see the salvation of the Lord” (Exod. 14:13,14).

Turning to God when our faith is tested should become natural for us. In God – through prayer, through Scriptures and through our fellow Christians – we can find the help we need in times of trial. Sometimes people move farther away from God instead of drawing closer to Him, even turning away from the church. May that never be said of us.

When our faith is tested, we should move forward. We must press on in the upward way, heading for our promised land. The most remarkable thing about the story in Exodus 14 is found in God’s instructions. After Moses said, “Stand by and see” (Exod. 14:13, God said, “God forward” (Exod. 14:15). Their faith was tested. To their credit, despite their misgivings, they did “go forward” into the sea. As the sea opened, they marched through on dry ground. By doing so, they were saved, delivered from the peril they were so afraid of.

What about us? When our faith is tested, we usually know what we ought to do. The question is whether or we will do it – in spite of our misgivings, fears and problems.

Often, when our faith is tested by trying circumstances or difficult situations, we need to do what Israel was told to do: (1) Depend on God; “Stand by and see the salvation of the Lord” (14:13). (2) Then “go forward” (14:15). Paul said, “Forgetting what lies behind and reaching for what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call pf God in Christ Jesus” (Php. 3:13-14). Is there a sea in front of us? God can open that sea. Is there a wall in front of us? God can help tear down that wall. Have we encountered a closed door? God can open that door. The solution to the testing of our faith is simply to “keep the faith,” to keep doing what the Lord would have us to do.

Conclusion. God has the answer for our individual lives and for the corporate life of the church. We must hear His instructions and press on, even when the way ahead seems impossible. The God who could open the Red Sea can open a door for us that will result both in our being blessed and in our being a blessing to others.