The Crucified Life

Today, on Good Friday we remember and reflect on the sacrifice of Jesus. We take time to meditate on the fact that our freedom in life was paid in full by the blood of Jesus. Easter would mean nothing if we did not first recognize what Jesus did for you and me on the cross. The word "crucified" takes us back to what Jesus did on the cross. We see that reflected in this verse:

Galatians 2:20

"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."

Something that I have challenged myself with recently is living a "Crucified Life." I am someone who is quick to take things for granted and not have a humble heart. Good Friday is always a bittersweet reminder that I am nothing apart from Jesus. I am good as dead without the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. I want to constantly be reminded that God loved us so much that He sent His own Son to die for our sins. A crucified life is one that is fully committed to Jesus and His work. I want to strive to look like Jesus more and more each day.

Matthew 16:24-26

"Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?"

Once we take up our cross, there is no going back. Jesus suffered so that me and you may know God, and enjoy Him forever. The Crucified Life is not an easy life and Jesus never promised it would be. We will experience much suffering on this side of heaven, but I know for a fact it will all be worth it when we stand face to face with Jesus. There is a beautiful hymn written in 1898 by Carrie Breck that sings:

Face to face with Christ, my Savior,

Face to face- what will it be

When with rapture I behold Him,

Jesus Christ who died for me?

Face to face I shall behold Him,

Far beyond the starry sky;

Face to face in all His glory,

I shall see Him by and by.

Only faintly now I see Him

With the darkened veil between,

But a blessed day is coming

When His glory shall be seen.

What rejoicing in His presence,

When are banished grief and pain;

When the crooked ways are straightened

And the dark things shall be plain.

Face to face- oh, blissful moment!

Face to face- to see and know;

Face to face with my Redeemer,

Jesus Christ who loves me so.

My encouragement to you today and everyday is to pray to live a crucified life. A life that lives to reflect Him and His beauty! Life is so sweet when we fully trust in Jesus. Even when we experience suffering we can hold on to the fact that Jesus died to know us in a personal way. He loves you more than you will ever know!

Prayer Points:

• Father, help me to live a crucified life.

• God, thank You for the work done on the cross!

• God, thank You for sending Your Son to die in my place!

• Heavenly Father, make Your presence known to me today as I reflect on the sacrifice of Jesus.

  
  

Heavenly Father, 

I praise You because You sent Your Son to take my place on that rugged cross. I rejoice that I have been set free by the blood of Jesus! You have been so good to me. Help me to live a life that reflects You and only You.

In Jesus' mighty Name, Amen 

For His Glory,

Haley Thorpe