To Survey the Cross, Survey Your Life

I can tell you without a doubt that when I was a boy I heard the call of God, and went forward to repent and to receive Jesus into my life. Actually, it was surreal in the sense that if I had been self-conscious of what I was doing in front of so many people, I wouldn’t have stuck my toe out into the aisle; let alone make that long walk to the front. However, at the time, it was as if I was transported to the front as Philip was caught up to talk to a eunuch who was riding his chariot and reading Isaiah, Chapter 53.

Why am I telling you this? Well, because I’m much older now, and one cannot survey the cross and appreciate all that Christ has done without surveying his own life. Yes, I can say that I have had my fits and starts. Depending on when you knew me, you might have perceived me to be among the greatest of saints or the worst of sinners. I remember the day I visited a local church, and as I entered I saw a lady that I knew from working bingo in fundraising. She looked at me aghast and said, “Of all the people that I wouldn’t have expected to see in church!” Ouch.

Of course, the people that you are around everyday… you know, family and very close friends… they too have surveyed your life and it’s extremely difficult for them to assess what in the world went on and how to explain it. I hurt some people very badly during some of those dark times. For them, and if without forgiveness, they would say I am nothing more than a hypocrite today in writing this blog. Some, who had to defend their personal doctrine, would have said at the time of my observed fall from obedience that I either didn’t know the Lord, or I committed the unpardonable sin. Christians sometimes act like the jury that needs to explain away conduct that seems unconscionable and they are ready to accept a plea of insanity as the only explanation. Surely, when you observe a dog returning to its vomit, we ask questions… in fact, those questions we should ask each other of the brother or sister in Christ. To me, a firm and caring rebuke is the greatest demonstration of Christian love; when followed with prayer and supplication. Questions asked, however, are not the same as judgments made with regard to God’s end game and plan for each of us. Absent God’s grace and election, which is revealed through the sovereignty of His glorious and eternal will, who among us can say what His ultimate will is for any man before his final breath?

As for me, my life and trust in God is in the One who sees the end from the beginning; even my end. As long as I find that He draws me to repent and to work out my salvation in fear and trepidation, such is the call of God and His glorious incentive worked in me.  Given such a marvelous incentive, He likewise promised to bring the work that He started to completion. For those so quickened to find themselves transported to the throne of grace, the power of God is a sustaining power. Therein, is my hope of salvation, and my hope in yours. Amen