Worthiness of the Cross Part VI


If it is the cross you bear and are crucified; any other earthly condition will be contentment. Your hope is not in any other; any thing; any praise; any gift; any comfort; other than the cross upon which He died and your cross which He found you worthy to bear. Once content with your cross, the temporal fades.

 A worthiness of the cross is an invitation to know Him; the power of His resurrection; the fellowship of sharing in His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death, and attain to His resurrection.

 Their is no nobler way; none more excellent. Even our Lord said, "he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me."

 If by the cross we know Him; are worthy of Him; learn of Him; grow in Him, and at long last rest in Him, then hurry to your cross and gladly bear it.

 The burdens in this present world are grievous but have you heard of the suffering in ages past? Hebrews 11 tells of those who endured the pains of epic trials. They were considered champions of the cross...for our sake.

 37 They were stoned; they were sawed in two; they were put to death by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated— 38 the world was not worthy of them. 39 These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. 40 God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.

 Whatever the cross; bear it. It honors Him; them; and you; and...help others bear it. This is the command of our Lord.

 Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

 When the world around you says, throw off His yoke from your neck; it is too burdensome...we will say...Never, for my God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think.

 We do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are— yet was without sin.

 So...boldly we go to Him for strength and grace; to be found worthy of the cross we bear for His sake; for we know and are assured that He is coming and His rewards are with Him.

 

Knowing You

All I once held dear built my life upon
All this world reveres, and wars to own
All I once thought gain I have counted loss
Spent and worthless now, compared to this

(Chorus:)
Knowing you, Jesus knowing you
There is no greater thing
You're my all you're the best
You're my joy, my righteousness
And I love you ,lord
 
 Oh to know the power of your risen life
And to know you in your suffering
To become like you in your death my Lord
So with You to live
And never die

(Chorus) 
 
Words and music by: Graham Kendrick

 Thomas & Stone

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