Scripture
20 I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So the life I now live in the body, I live because of the faithfulness of the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Galatians 2:20 NET
Observation
Modern day Christians don’t understand the cross. We hang them in our homes, we wear them on clothes and we sing about it sometimes in church (although rarely nowadays).
The cross was reserved for the worse of the worse. It was a terrible way to die, usually from blood loss and asphyxiation.
But more than that, those crucified were humiliated. They were left exposed. They died on display, exposed to jeering and sometimes laughing people. They were ridiculed and most were not allowed to be buried properly.
Application
For Paul to say he had been crucified with Christ was saying that he was ok with all that.
He was saying…for the cross of Christ…
I’m ready to be humiliated. I’m ready to be laughed at. I’m ready to be scorned. I’m ready to die.
The verse ends, “I live because of the faithfulness of the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
To Paul,it was all worth it, in this life and the next!
Prayer
Lord, it is hard to die to self, especially when I know it’s not going to be easy, just like it wasn’t easy for You. Give me the strength I need to die in this world, so that I can truly live for You.
Peace
Todd