Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Which Side of the Cross Are You On?

I was at a Promise Keepers event (actually, I've been to a few Promise Keeper events) in Baltimore area and a speaker by the name of Joe White came out and he did this incredible talk about the Cross. Carrying this heavy log over his shoulder, he dragged up the aisles and up to the stage. He started his talk by portraying a Roman crossmaker. Why did this Jesus have to die? Who is this Jesus? And he's cutting away at this log to make way for the crossbeam to be placed and then nailed together. He then nails the pieces together and he then holds the cross over his shoulder, nails being quite close to his face.
He spoke of so many things that night but the one part that has stuck with me is the quote, Which Side of the Cross Are You On? To the left, there was a thief who mocked and scorn him. To the right, you had a thief who knew death was coming and he deserved it for his crimes. And he asks Jesus to remember him when he went to his kingdom. Jesus says to him, today you will be with me in Paradise. Even on the Cross, Jesus was working! He gave His life willingly. He thirsted for God.
Which Side of the Cross Are You On?

Totelestai. I know I probably spelled that wrong. But, it means Paid in Full. That's what Jesus did on the Cross. He took all of God's wrath on Himself and spared all of us from having to endure that wrath.

Which Side of the Cross Are You On?

Are we going to be bold in our faith? Or are we just going to sit still or keep in secret for fear of what others might say? Are we afraid of "ramming our beliefs down someone's throat" in danger of offending them? Or, are that person to share the Gospel message with someone who has never heard it? Do we blend in with the world? Or do we live our lives devoted to the one who died on a Cross, who took that brunt of God's wrath, and to rise from the grave 3 days later?!?!?

Which Side of the Cross Are You On?