What Now?: Beyond the Cross

Christ is Risen!  At the cross Christ died for you and for me. In His resurrection, He defeated death in final victory.

What now?

(photo cred:  Jon Tyson on Unsplash)

Jesus gave us our life’s purpose in Mathew 28:19:

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”

Our purpose beyond the cross, our life’s meaning, is this….

We are to GO. This doesn’t have to mean far away, but it does signify action. We must get moving for God by living a life according to His will.  You can start right where you are.

We are to SHARE the gospel so that others can be baptized into Sonship. By our life, may others see something different from the world. By our life, may others know an everlasting Hope.

We are to TEACH and mentor fellow believers so that they may grow in faith and maturity in Christ. We need each other for encouragement and accountability.

Does all of this seem like a tall order?  A bit overwhelming?

I left out the best part. Remember how God promises to never leave us alone?  That promise was fulfilled for His disciples after the cross.

Mathew 24:49

“I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with the power on high.”

The disciples are told to STAY and wait. On what?  The Holy Spirit. We, too, must wait on the Spirit to indwell in us and guide us on when and how to GO, SHARE, and TEACH. We cannot do this of our own accord. Instead, God is calling us into ministry WITH Him.

Just how powerful is the Holy Spirit living in me?

Ephesians 1:19

“…That power is the same as the mighty strength he extorted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms…”

So what is beyond the cross?

The most amazing, powerful, incomparable gift from God, the Holy Spirit. And all you have to do to receive this gift for yourself is to put your trust in God. Acknowledge that Christ died on the cross for you to redeem you from your sins.

It is finished. Now our work has begun. Beyond the cross is our purpose in this life…and it is oh so beautiful!

Ashley

“This is the day the Lord hath made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.”