February 18, 2018

CRUCIFY

The Jewish historian Josephus described it as “the most wretched of deaths.” The Persians invented and used crucifixion as far back as 400 BC. Alexander the Great brought the practice to Egypt and Carthage. The Romans learned about it and developed a high degree of skill and efficiency in its use. The emperor Constantine finally discontinued the use of crucifixion in the 4th century AD.

And being in agony He was praying very fervently; and His sweat became like drops of blood, falling down upon the ground.

And Jesus, crying out with a loud voice, said, “Father into Thy hands I commit My spirit.” And having said this, He breathed His last. And it was now about the sixth hour, and darkness fell over the whole land until the ninth hour. And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was torn in two.

Surely our griefs He Himself bore, and our sorrows He carried; yet we ourselves esteemed Him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But He was pierced through for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the chastening for our well-being fell upon Him, and by His scourging we are healed.

CRUCIFY Just as CHRIST was crucified, YOU also are to be crucified. Romans 6:4 “Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, in order that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life.” Romans 6:6 “Our old self was crucified with Him, that our body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin.”

Just as CHRIST was crucified, YOU also are to be crucified. After you become a Christian, there is a further and ongoing way that you are to be crucified. Galatians 2:20 “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.” When I Survey the Wondrous Cross Love so amazing, so divine, Demands my soul, my life, my all.