Even the title doesn't quite seem right, huh? And that's a part of my point. We talk the talk of faith; but we tend to deny major tenets. We are given a holy assignment; a very holy one. We are to take up OUR crosses and follow Him with the identical mission as when He carried His.
From the cross perspective, God's power resides in us. It isn't mainly in our church attendance. Nor is it located in our Bible knowledge. His power is in our carbon-copying the dying of Jesus for the saving of sinners.
Regarding the "as for Jesus/as for us" parallel, take a gander at Hebrews 9:15-22 where it concludes, "without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness."
Do you get the extreme of Jesus? Yes, I believe we do. We buy into it completely and rightfully so.
But...do you get the extreme of yourself? That as others offend, hurt, sin against you...and that you are to boldly maintain that exact extreme that Jesus did? Do you understand that this world is not in deep hurt because it can't find a church primarily? It's in deep pain because it can't find duplicationalistic cross carriers.
The power for community healing is found in the dying of its church adherents. The restoration of one who is guilty as sin is not found in their apology; but in the believers absorption of the sinner's guilt. This force (this power) is Christianity-gone-real and when it goes real it will be Christianity-gone-viral.
Yes...we get hurt. Furthermore, others get hurt by us. The call to stop sinning is one element. The insistence to die for the sinner is the mantra of Jesus the Lamb...who was slain. We like the go to church part. The slain part, though, is what helps individuals find their place of acceptance and value. The Cross explains us, defines us, and as it kills us...gives us true life.
God's power...really is your power. Be serious about it for others will get well when we can sacrifice for their well-being. Thank you God for giving us a mission that...gives life to the hopeless and the helpless...like You did for us!
