Tuesday's Tidbit

Galatians 2:20

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

Good morning, everybody! 

Crucified - this word means pain, excruciating pain. Crucified with Christ - Even though we were not present on that day when Jesus died on the old rugged cross, we have read about His suffering, yet even after reading, we cannot fully comprehend the depth of that painful sacrifice.

The Apostle Paul wrote that HE was crucified with Christ. We know Paul did not hang on a cross with Jesus, but rather his flesh "died" daily; his fleshly lusts and desires were crucified. Why? So that Christ could live in him. Jesus did not stay in the tomb; He arose, victorious over death, hell, and the grave. So, the crucifixion of our flesh, while truly painful, merits us the joy of Jesus living in us. As He arose to be victorious, we rise to walk in a newness of life.

The Christian life is a crucified life. Our carnal wants and wishes are no longer prominent, but we are new creatures in Christ. Our affections are no longer on the earth, but they are on heavenly things. It is not a life of bondage but of true freedom. Gone are the shackles of sin that weighed us down. Christ has liberated us!

Philips, Craig & Dean sing a beautiful song, Crucified with Christ, and I want to leave a few of its words with you today:

For I am crucified with Christ

And yet I live

Not I but Christ that lives within me

His cross will never ask for more

Than I can give

For it's not my strength but His

There's no greater sacrifice

For I am crucified with Christ

And yet I live

The spoonful of tonic truth for today is that the pain of crucifying our flesh is forgotten in light of the fact that He lives in us. 

Until tomorrow, Lord willing..............