Crucified?

Galatians 2:20 (NASB) I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.

This is one of those “I already know” verses in the Bible. Though this one is not as often quoted as John 3:16; or Psalm 23; (Though many can’t quote this Psalm, they just know it has something to do with sheep). Some of you may have even sung a rendition of Galatians 2:20 in years past. Though you may already know this verse and of course I thought I had too, I want to challenge you to look at it again for the very first time. Note the language Paul is using here regarding Christ, His crucifixion, our living response to Him and what it means from this point on as a committed Christ follower. 

Crucified with Christ: The most publicly humiliating, physically excruciating and socially defaming act that our Lord endured for us. (See Philippians 2:4-8 for His example and ours to follow) 

Meditate on the crucifixion of Christ looking specifically at what He gave up, what He endured, and what it truly means for you and me.  I no longer live but Christ lives in me: The last part we get and receive. “Christ lives in me” but what does the first part look like? “I” no longer live, “I” am crucified “I” was buried with Christ, “I” died… This goes beyond mere mental assent or spiritual concept. The “I” is killed, buried and no longer in existence…so we claim. Look at the last time “you” got in the way of others or in the way of what God wanted to do in and through you. “You” didn’t get your way; “you” reluctantly had to yield, “you” complained because it didn’t go your way. Take it up a notch. “You” have been asking but He hasn’t given you the answer “you” want. Life has been fruitless and spiritually stagnant and “you” blame your small group, the teacher on the weekend, the worship leader or song that didn’t move you, the bible has been uninspiring, Rick Z's devotional challenges have been nothing of the sort. Before “you” can be thankful “you” need to be repentant. Before “you” can be joyful “you” need to remove “yourself” out of the equation and begin to live as if Jesus and others were more important than “you”. 

 Make a list of the selfish thoughts, words and deeds you have done in one particular day. Make the effort to ask for forgiveness from God and those you cheated out of loving, serving and elevating above yourself.  (It will be both painful and extremely fulfilling) 

Who loved me and gave Himself up for me:  Is the concept of God loving you and dying for you a nice theological thought or theory but not a concrete reality?  Has the thought of God loving you, crucified for you (in your place) just become the correct answer to a Sunday school question or does it challenge the depths of your soul? Does the stark reality that a holy and awesome God takes the utmost pleasure in you as His masterpiece and gave His life specifically for you cause you to rethink your relationship with Him? Allow the Holy Spirit to pierce your heart with this truth. Allow His love for you to immerse you like never before. Don’t allow the enemy to discourage you from receiving God’s love by listing how sinful you have been, how selfish you can be, how messed up your passed was, how much you are not doing for God, and how have failed your Lord. Say NO to the enemy and YES to the Holy Spirit 

You were bought with a price…He shed His blood specifically for you. He died so that you could live in Him. All that He is, is what you and I can be also. The fullness of Christ dwells within you…all power and authority is given to Him, thus you and I have access to the same resurrected power. No weapon formed against us can prosper. We have been given a spirit of love, power and a sound mind; in fact, we have been given the mind of Christ and the ability to live as He lived.  I could go on as I too allow the Holy Spirit to remind me of what Jesus has done and promises to do in and through me. 

I need to live as if I am dead, (a very tall order) then I can truly live as if it is Christ living in and through me. When He is given the controls of my thoughts, my words and all that I do then He truly becomes Lord of my life and the one who lives inside me to guide me. Anything less than that means I have sinful self living somewhere, I have somehow grabbed the wheel that controls my life away from the Holy Spirit, I have in some way decided that my way is better and I hope Jesus joins me and blesses it.

You and I are just a prayer and heart change away from the reality that is in Christ Jesus. Will you join me as I too accept this challenge from the Holy Spirit to live crucified, dead and buried (out of the way) so He can live His resurrected life in and through me?