A Moment With GodНамуна

ATTITUDES AROUND THE CROSS

Being in agony, he prayed most earnestly. When we are in agony, we depend on people. Jesus was in agony and He took his disciples along with Him.

Let us look at the attitudes of seven people/groups of people around the Cross:

• The Priests - An Attitude of Rejection: Matt 27:41-43. The knowledge of the Lord did not help them. The testimony of people did not impact them, for their heart was so hard that they rejected him.
• The Thief - Attitude of Repentance - Luke 23: 39-43. There were three people on the Cross. The repentant thief died to sin, the one who did not repent died in sin, and Jesus died for sin. The thief was a last minute call. He knew in his heart that even at that last hour if he cried, the Lord will hear and forgive him.
• The Soldiers - Attitude of Indifference. John 19:23-24. The soldiers were not bothered by what was happening around them, the tears of people. They continued to do what they wanted to do. They were casting lots to take Jesus' clothes - their priority was different. They were doing their job. Totally indifferent to the emotions of Christ.
• The Disciple, John - Attitude of Involvement. John 19:26-27. He accepted to take care of Mary without complaining, questioning or hesitating. He accepted the responsibility by totally trusting the Lord.
• The Mother of Jesus - Attitude of Acceptance. John 19:25-26. Mary accepted what was given to her without a fuss. She knew that in her heart what was given to her was the best. At the Cross, relationships are restored and new relationships are developed.
• The Women - Attitude of Attachment - Matt 27:55-56. Their lives were transformed, changed and restored. They did not fear anyone. They stood there.
• The Centurion - Attitude of Faith. Matt 27:51-54. When the Centurion saw the signs, he confessed: Truly this was the Son of God. A fearless statement inspite of people standing around him. Faith is unstoppable.

What is our attitude to the Christ of the Cross? The risen Christ who is no longer on the Cross. Do we continuously reject Him? Do we come to that place of repentance to receive forgiveness or do we constantly give it as a prayer request knowing our Lord is there to forgive us? Do we have victory over sin? Are we indifferent totally where nothing impacts us? Are we involved like the disciple willing to do whatever the Lord is asking us to do? Are we just spectators? Are we willing to accept a new relationship, a new responsibility? Are we faithful to Him till the end saying: Because of you Lord, I am what I am and I will remain faithful till the end? Do we have an attitude of faith? Do we openly profess that He is truly the Son of God? Let us have an attitude of faith.

Faith is unstoppable, it is contagious.