And I, if I am lifted up . . . will draw all peoples to Myself —John 12:32
When you find yourself face to face with a person who is spiritually lost, remind yourself of Jesus Christ on the cross. If that person can get to God in any other way, then the Cross of Christ is unnecessary. If you think you are helping lost people with your sympathy and understanding, you are a traitor to Jesus Christ. You must have a right-standing relationship with Him yourself, and pour your life out in helping others in His way— not in a human way that ignores God. The theme of the world’s religion today is to serve in a pleasant, non-confrontational manner.
But our only priority must be to present Jesus Christ crucified— to lift Him up all the time (see 1 Corinthians 2:2). Every belief that is not firmly rooted in the Cross of Christ will lead people astray. If the worker himself believes in Jesus Christ and is trusting in the reality of redemption, his words will be compelling to others. What is extremely important is for the worker’s simple relationship with Jesus Christ to be strong and growing. His usefulness to God depends on that, and that alone.
The calling of a New Testament worker is to expose sin and to reveal Jesus Christ as Savior. Consequently, he cannot always be charming and friendly, but must be willing to be stern to accomplish major surgery. We are sent by God to lift up Jesus Christ, not to give wonderfully beautiful speeches. We must be willing to examine others as deeply as God has examined us. We must also be sharply intent on sensing those Scripture passages that will drive the truth home, and then not be afraid to apply them.
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December 20, 2012
Lord, help me walk in a more complete understanding of the cross of Jesus; not an understanding of sympathy but a knowledge of the magnitude of the sacrifice. Please help me walk this day with the shadow of the cross in my vision. I believe that if I acknowledge the cross I could stay more tightly connected to You.
And God says…”I want you to acknowledge the cross, and surrender and allow Jesus to live through you. The sacrifice of Jesus must be taken together with His life and resurrection. The cross can remind you of His sacrifice, and His resurrection reminds you that you too are being reborn, every day. Seek first the kingdom of God, which is Jesus. Acknowledge the Lord in all your ways and He will make your paths straight. Stay connected to Jesus and His cross and allow His resurrection to take place in you, daily.”
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