Glorying in the Cross
George Fessler
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"Those people who are telling you to get circumcised are only trying
to show
how important they are. And they don't want to get into trouble
for
preaching about the cross of Christ. They are circumcised, but they
don't
obey the Law of Moses. All they want is to brag about having you
circumcised. But I will never brag about anything except the cross
of our
Lord Jesus Christ. Because of his cross, the world is dead as far
as I am
concerned, and I am dead as far as the world is concerned" (Galatians
6:12-14, CEV).
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Paul doesn't mince words when it comes to the legalizers who falsely
persuaded the Galatian believers from the truth that is found in
Christ.
They say one thing about the importance of circumcision, but then
utterly
disregard God's law. And they only do it for selfish reasons. He
once again
underscores the preaching of the cross as being central to the gospel
message -- there's nothing so important for Paul than the cross
of Christ.
He glories in the cross, because the very meaning of his life is
revealed
there too, as far as the world is concerned. He's dead to it and
it to him.
He's really free!
Prayer response: Father, I thank you for the cross of my Savior,
Jesus
Christ. He died that I might live -- that I might live unto you
and also
glory in the cross. Help me to die to the superfluous things of
this world
that can easily distract me. Let me live in the shadow of Christ's
cross,
always knowing it is the place of death to self, but that you are
also the
one who resurrects and sets us free to serve. Be with me this day,
as I go
forth now in Jesus' name. Amen.
hbdevotion@news.ag.org