Lenten devotionals from our DS's wife Robbie Craker

There is so much debate in the church right now –

Music, dress, food in the sanctuary, chairs or pews, politics, and the list goes on and on.

What does any of this have to do with the Cross? Am I hiding behind these issues that deal with personal preferences so I don’t deal with the real issues of my own heart? Have I forgotten that all of those things must be nailed to the Cross? And I’m not talking just about my personal preferences, but yours as well. No one’s personal preferences are more holy than anyone else’s.

We look back at the debates and misunderstandings amongst Jesus’ disciples and we laugh a little bit. How could Peter have been so mistaken? What were James and John thinking about – vying for position in the Kingdom? Why did the money-changers think they had a right to be in the Temple?

Are our debates and misunderstandings any less silly? No. When seen in the light of eternity they are insignificant. People of God let’s allow the Holy Spirit to work. Let’s allow anything that is hindering our “cross-walk” to be crucified.

I sometimes wonder if we forget that the church belongs to Jesus. It doesn’t belong to the pastor or the staff or the church board. The church belongs to Jesus. He was crucified for the church. Let’s allow Him first place – the central position. Let’s lay down our preferences and our lives for one another. This then will be the way of showing our love for God and for each other.

Let’s allow the Holy Spirit to point out what needs to be crucified in our lives. Let’s not hide behind the debates, let’s allow the cross of Christ to do its work. Let’s be washed by the Word.

Jesus began telling his disciples what would happen to him. He said, "The nation's leaders, the chief priests, and the teachers of the Law of Moses will make the Son of Man suffer terribly. He will be rejected and killed, but three days later he will rise to life." Then Jesus explained clearly what he meant.

Peter took Jesus aside and told him to stop talking like that. But when Jesus turned and saw the disciples, he corrected Peter. He said to him, "Satan, get away from me! You are thinking like everyone else and not like God."

Jesus then told the crowd and the disciples to come closer, and he said:

If any of you want to be my followers, you must forget about yourself. You must take up your cross and follow me. If you want to save your life you will destroy it. But if you give up your life for me and for the good news, you will save it. What will you gain, if you own the whole world but destroy yourself? What could you give to get back your soul?

Don't be ashamed of me and my message among these unfaithful and sinful people! If you are, the Son of Man will be ashamed of you when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels. –Mark 8:31-38 (CEV)

Father, our hearts and minds are taken up with so many debates and issues. We need to hear from You. Please give us open hearts and minds to allow Your Word to purify us. Don’t let us lose sight of the cross as we journey. Amen