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Monday, December 7, 2009

Strange Language


"The cross is 'I' crossed out."
~ Unknown


Strange Language

#powerofwords

When Israel went out of Egypt,
The house of Jacob from a people of strange language ...
~ Psalms 114:1-2 (NKJV)

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God... Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?
~ 1 Corinthians 1:18,20 (NIV)

I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
~ Galatians 2:20 (NKJV)


The message of the cross looks like more than just a little bit of insanity. What kind of fool is assaulted and actually turns the other cheek as if to say, "Hit me again"?

Jesus Christ did not merely turn the other cheek. Almighty God, Ruler of innumerable angelic warriors, took on the flesh of man and mutely allowed His creation to flog and spit upon Him, crucify and kill Him. Little wonder the "wisdom" of this world sees Jesus as impotent or lunatic, refusing to bow before Him as Lord and God.

We are not to be of the world. The world says "I've got rights" and "look out for number one" and "you need attitude to survive" and "you'll get yours." Such philosophies should be a strange language to the Christian from which we segregate ourselves.

If we accept Jesus as Lord and Master, we will follow in His footsteps. We will be crucified with Him. We will not retaliate when injured or offended.

When I have been crucified with Christ and He lives in me, the world does not do injury to me but to Christ. All offense is owned by my Master, and any judgment lies in His hands.

What is mine in return? He who loves me and gave Himself for me allows me to feel His caress upon my soul and know His peace.

Lord Jesus, Your power lies in the goodness of holiness, humility and love. Enable us to exercise such power, and to honor You in doing so.

Contrasting points-of-view, questions and feedback are invited. Post to
BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Photo from
sangam.org

11 comments:

  1. It's so easy to fall into the 'foolish' trappings of our world. Thanx for the reminder to keep our motives and our attitudes heavenly as our savior did by example. And yes, all my praise is active. My new goal is to delight, praise, and thank him to new heights this week.

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  2. This world is not my home, I am just traveling through.

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  3. Unfortunatelly many of us (Christians) still don't speak Jesus' language.

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  4. What a complete transformation of the heart to walk with Jesus. How comforting it is to escape the tyranny of self to give over to Someone infinitely bigger, better, wholly loving, entirely pure, and everlastingly good.

    May God bless you richly today, Anne!

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  5. I know I've read it. I've probably learned it before in various ways...but seeing it today brought this to life in a very real way.

    "When I have been crucified with Christ and He lives in me, the world does not do injury to me but to Christ."

    ~ Wendy

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  6. Anne, I have not thought about Jesus owning insults directed at me. Lately I have been visualizing Jesus standing next to me in different situation, while they are unfolding.

    Next time I am being attacked or perceive I am being attacked, I will visualize Jesus literally standing in front of me . . . and see what happens...

    Thanks -

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  7. T. Anne, the world's attitudes can sound so convincing.

    Denise, Amen! We are citizens of Heaven.

    Natasa, it's all a matter of to whom we give more attention, and who has captured our hearts.

    Gwen, what does it take for us to understand the Tyranny of Self? You've so deftly nailed it for what it is.

    Wendy and Russell, I know of no other principle which has enabled me to so clearly see both sin and forgiveness. When David speaks in Psalm 51 of sinning "against only" God, it becomes clear that not only does God own the sin done to me, but the sin I do to anyone else,
    because
    He
    owns
    us.

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  8. ut-oh. this prompts a question. do you think that Christ would die on the cross for you alone? i don't believe He would do it for me alone.

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  9. Bud, I consider that in the realm of questions that don't need an answer. If you deeply, passionately loved someone and saw them in a life-threatening situation from which you had power to rescue them, would you do so at cost of your own life?

    Would you be less willing if that someone was one rather than many? Or many rather than one?

    The Lord's love for us is great enough that He comes to dwells within us. He suffers whatever we do, from the inside. His suffering for us did not end at Calvary.

    Likewise, in our close fellowship with Him, suffering becomes a privilege. He shares with us His griefs, as a closest friend might.

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  10. ....i really envy you and others that have been given that understanding/love from Him. revelation of this can't come by reasoning.

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  11. No need to envy. It's the result of many hours, years, and tears. Abide with Him. Stay with it.

    And thank you so much for recognizing the Source of any understanding and love found here. It is all Him. I am only a broken clay vessel, unworthy to touch the Light I'm privileged to hold.

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