Joni sings:
In the cross of Christ I glory,
Tow’ring o’er the wrecks of time;
All the light of sacred story
Gathers round its head sublime.
What a beautiful hymn this is; and what powerful words! And it’s powerful because it speaks of the cross. 1 Corinthians 1:18 says that the message of the cross is the power of God. I'm sure that’s why Jesus “set his face like flint” to go there. When His disciples tried to persuade Him not to go to Jerusalem, He didn’t let that stop Him. His goal, His purpose for coming to earth was centered around the cross.
And that should be our goal, too. For it’s on that road to the cross where we meet Jesus. Now to be honest, not many of us like to go down that road. We are not naturally inclined to take up our cross daily, head down the road to Calvary, and die to our wants and wishes. Every day God calls us to follow Jesus, and that means that the old self-absorbed me, me and all my self-determination and independence must be crucified. Every day I must reckon myself dead to sin – quit complaining, Joni; stop nagging your husband; let somebody else have the credit; stop whining about your pain, Mrs. Tada; hey, it’s time to stop and pray about this rather than going at it under your own steam; quit comparing yourself to others who have use of their hands and legs; c’mon, be real with God, Joni!
That’s what it means to be near the cross. That’s what it means to head down the road to Calvary and become like Jesus in His death. There’s power in that. Real supernatural, life-transforming power. Because when you’re near the cross, you’re not only dead to sin… you’re alive to God. You’re alive with His peace, His joy and power, His love and forgiveness, His zest and zeal for living, His enthusiasm for the Gospel, and His delight in His people. It only happens, friend, when you’re near the cross.
Used by permission of
JONI AND FRIENDS
P.O. Box 3333
Agoura Hills, CA 91376
© Joni and Friends