The Cross
It is so easy for me to get caught up with all the hoopla of different holidays. Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter. I get caught up in doing all the stuff I think needs to be done, and don’t always take the time to reflect what the day is really about. I think it’s great to do some of the stuff we do, and it’s fun to do, especially with Harrison.
But I need to take more time to reflect and be thankful for what these holidays really mean. For Easter, to focus on Christ and know that because he died on the cross, we can have eternal life. It really is so much more than that…he became the ultimate servant. How do I convey this to others? How can I be an example of this?
I came across these words today on another blog, a hymn written many years ago. But the words and meaning ring true for me today.
BENEATH THE CROSS OF JESUS
Text: Elizabeth C. Clephane, 1830-1869
Music: Frederick C. Maker, 1844-1927
Beneath the cross of Jesus
I fain would take my stand,
the shadow of a mighty rock
within a weary land;
a home within the wilderness,
a rest upon the way,
from the burning of the noontide heat,
and the burden of the day.
Upon that cross of Jesus
mine eye at times can see
the very dying form of One
who suffered there for me;
and from my stricken heart with tears
two wonders I confess:
the wonders of redeeming love
and my unworthiness.
I take, O cross, thy shadow
for my abiding place;
I ask no other sunshine than
the sunshine of his face;
content to let the world go by,
to know no gain nor loss,
my sinful self my only shame,
my glory all the cross.
And that last verse…”content to let the world go by, to know no gain nor loss”…I fail at this miserably. Another reminder that this is where I should be. But I’m not. Life has daily struggles, and I desperately need to learn to go beneath the cross of Jesus more often than I do.
It’s not about how many devotions I can get done. Or how many Bible Studies I’m in. Or comparing myself to what someone else is doing.
It’s about daily submitting myself to God, and doing what He calls me to do. To love God and to love others.
Filed under: Uncategorized on April 8th, 2009
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