Crucified

I [Paul] do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing.

Galatians 2:21

No response. Nothing. Lord, why do I keep volunteering at the girls’ emergency shelter when it feels fruitless? God whispers back to my faint heart, “Because that’s where I’ve called you to pour out my love.”

No thanks, no hugs, but I go back—month after month, year after year. By faith, and with the encouragement of the other volunteers, I believe my efforts are not in vain and Jesus is glorified.

But my flesh is weak, and I can’t do it in my own strength. The times I’ve wanted to give up, the Holy Spirit reminds me of Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross.

I don’t want His crucifixion to be for nothing.

In order to learn how to truly take to Jesus’ death to heart, let’s nibble on a crucial (think about the origin of that word) scripture as we would savor a tasty treat shared with a friend over coffee.

We see God’s provision for us in Galatians 2:20, a verse laced with paradoxical intrigue and where our eternal rescue is sealed. Let’s begin.

I (the natural self or “old man”, as in Romans 6:6, inherited from Adam through physical birth—unrighteous, separated from and dead to God; alive to sin—our passions and desires) have been crucified (impaled; extinguished; subdued) with Christ (the Messiah) and I (the independent nature; the old man) no longer live (dead to the power of sin, powerless; spiritually alive) live in the body (physical), I (my regenerated spirit; able to please God) live by faith (depend, trust) in the Son of God (divine, perfect, holy; equal with God the Father), who loved (personal, absolutely devoted; sacrificial) me (in my sin) and gave (surrendered; entrusted; gave over;) Himself for me. Hallelujah!

Jesus, I thank You that my old sin nature was crucified with You so I can live free from the power of sin. Your death was not in vain.

Karen Sims