Could You Handle Being Crucified?

Almost everyone knows about “The Cross”. A large portion of the world has one in their home and, like me, many even wear one around their neck. But, why do I wear a cross around my neck? Nobody can see it; and why is that? Why is it hidden under my shirt? Well, I thought about this a lot, then prayed, and received an answer I didn’t want to hear so I just keep on thinking about it.

Personal Relationship

Living in America, most of us grew up knowing the story of Jesus, and for the most part, the entire world has this knowledge; some believe it’s true and some do not. God gave all men/women this power of choice. God can do anything He wants, but He will never force Faith on anyone. I myself believe. I believe Jesus came to earth and was crucified on the cross for me, to pay for my sins. This is a personal thing, a relationship between me and Jesus. So, when I think of Jesus hanging by nails on that cross for me, how can I not be overwhelmed?

But when do I usually find myself remembering the cross? When difficulties overtake and worry consumes me when panic and sickness exist all around, and the only news is bad news; that’s when I remember the cross. That’s when I pull it out from under my shirt and pray for help. Praying for help is not a bad thing. Prayer, faith, and the Bible are my weapons in times of need and the cross symbolizes all three for me.

Hiding The Cross

Sadly I know there are some that wear the cross for a show, sometimes even to deceive. I speak not in judgment but from personal experience. Many employers will not allow open displays of faith. The cross and Christianity seems, especially under attack all around the world. Even in America, a country founded on God, many Christians are now afraid to bring attention to their faith. And then there’s this; some of us don’t want to “turn people off”. It’s a more subtle reason to not display faith, a quiet “it’s my own personal business” reason. And in my case, it was reason enough to leave the cross hidden; out of sight under my shirt. I have noticed that the”stand-offishness” from people increases relative to the amount of “religion” I display. It’s like a virus they might catch, (And, is offishness a word?)

I could not handle being crucified. It would be easy for me to say I could because odds are pretty darn good I’ll never have to prove it. To be honest, if faced with crucifixion I would most likely be like Peter and deny knowing Jesus. But even if I managed enough bravery to admit being a follower of Jesus, once the scourge whipping began, I would deny, deny, deny and never make it to the nails if I could deny enough times.

Over my lifetime I have heard and read about the crucifixion countless times. I know it was terrible but no “archive footage” exists. There were no cameras, no cellphones, only the written accounts. I also read about terrible automobile accidents and other horrific things, but when you are right there in the middle of it and you smell, feel, and see with your own eyes, such things can be unbearable. I can’t even imagine the feelings, the smells, and sights of Jesus’s crucifixion.

The Passion Of The Christ

Not for the squeamish, “The Passion of The Christ” may have depicted the brutality of Jesus’s death best. Those images are burned into my brain as well they should be. My wife Liz is remembered for many things, but the entire theater was introduced to her during the “The Passion of The Christ’s” debut in Harrison when she shouted out “OH SHIT” during the torture of Jesus”.

So when difficulties, worry, panic, or just life, in general, begin to drag me down, I think about Jesus and I think about how small my problems really are. I think about how short my time on earth is anyway. I think of Jesus nailed up there on that cross for me and what the cross represents. Luke 13:27 says “And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.

And now I think; why am I hiding the cross under my shirt? If I’m going to pray why don’t I listen to the answer?

Jesus died for you too. He washed away all your sins when He did. All you have to do is believe. John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.“

https://thedailysinner.blog/wp-admin/post-new.php?post_type=post&jetpack-copy=2113