Michael Hindes, director of the World Race, spoke several times to our squad at Training Camp. Something he said continues to resonate within me.
“Too many of us (Christians) are living at the foot of the cross, and not at the opening of the tomb.”
HUH?! (insert Scooby-Doo’s noise of confusion here.)
What could he possibly mean, and aren’t both respectable places to Christians?
Quickly he explained, and quickly I saw my bondage.
This is not verbatim, but Michael’s gist was that those us still at the foot of the cross are hindering ourselves. From growth, and from sharing fully with others. Those of us living at the tomb are walking in a spirit of celebration. Our King has been set free! Hallelujah, we are no longer bound to death but have been set free from our trespasses by the Resurrection! There is cause for joy, the suffering had its place and has now passed.
I realized then, after walking with Christ for 4 and 1/2 years, I had been living at the foot of the cross.
An example: My church takes Communion the first Sunday of every month. Without fail, after I would select my disk of a cracker and wait for the rest of the congregation to gather theirs’ so we could partake together, it was my practice to lean forward in prayer and repentance…and the tears would come a flowin’. I would become overwrought with guilt and sadness that I had crucified my beloved, my Savior. My transgressions – past, present and future, and those of the people surrounding me were the whole reason He paid the penalty. And at that moment it was impossible for me to look past that.
Man, I thought I was into it. I thought I was connecting with God and the Holy Spirit on a higher level because I was so dang upset at the death He died because He loves us perfectly. And perhaps I was – but what a b******t way to remember Him.
Communion can be a solemn act for anyone who participates – digesting the body and blood of a King who gave it all for us, to demonstrate His perfect love.
I’m calling myself out because it wasn’t until I heard Michael say, ‘Quit living at the foot of the cross and start living at the tomb’, that I realized I had bound myself to mourning Jesus, not celebrating the new life I had received in Him.
He is risen. I have placed my full faith and trust in Him. I am washed in the blood of the lamb, and I know of the beautiful inheritance that awaits me.
Where have you been worshipping in your days? I don’t care what ‘level’ you’re on. I care about your joy in walking through this life with assurance and leaving trepidation where it belongs.
Sorry to negate the bumper stickers bathed in red, white and blue – but ultimately, my freedom is just that. Free.
