Living in the shadow of the cross
Matthew 16:21 – From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day. (King James Version)
This past Sunday evening (Palm Sunday), Calvary Tabernacle’s pastor, Randy Pate, preached a challenging message titled “Living In the Shadow of the Cross.” Pastor Pate explored Jesus’ itinerary during the last week of his life, asking each of us to consider what was important to Jesus during His final days.
The Gospels record that Jesus performed the following acts during the week prior to His crucifixion on Good Friday:
- Placed a priority on His friends in John 12 and at the Last Supper
- Allowed worship to become a priority at the triumphal entry while putting lethargy and indifference to death (John 12)
- Cursed unfruitfulness, unrealized potential and hypocrisy (Matthew 21:19)
- Preached the signs of the end in Matthew 24-25
- Removed all obstruction to the presence of God when He cleansed the Temple (Matthew 21)
- Remained the servant by washing feet (John 13)
- Prayed in sincerity in the Garden of Gethsemane
- Practiced forgiveness (Luke 23:34)
Pastor Pate reminded us that, in a very real sense, all of us are living in the shadow of the cross. None of us knows how much time we have left on earth. With that in mind, we must ask ourselves, “What are my priorities?”
When you stop and consider, it is amazing how much time most of us waste during the course of a week. Most of us also are quite adept at making excuses for why we aren’t accomplishing our goals or making an impact for the Kingdom of God.
But when you live in the shadow of the cross, it gives you a fresh perspective and renewed energy. You realize that some things aren’t worth worrying over, while other things are worth dying for. You wake up in the morning determined to make a difference.
So this week, as we approach the celebration of Easter, determine to live in the shadow of the cross. Determine what your priorities are, and then go after them with everything you’ve got. I believe it will change our lives.
And in the process, we just might change the world.