Tony Garrett

Behold the Judge Standeth Before the Door II Tony Garrett

Christian Poetry based upon thoughts from the Word of God WHICH CROSS ARE YOU ON? There are times in our lives when we will endure trials, tests, and even persecution. During those times we may question ourselves, our walk with God, and even God Himself. It was at that point in my life when these series of poems were written. I questioned God's plan, His purpose and even His presence in my life. During this period of repeatedly asking God "Why," He pointed to the Scriptures concerning trials, persecution, and the cross. (Matthew 16:24 AMP) Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone wishes to follow Me [as My disciple], he must deny himself [set aside selfish interests], and take up his cross [expressing a willingness to endure whatever may come] and follow Me [believing in Me, conforming to My example in living and, if need be, suffering or perhaps dying because of faith in Me]. As believers, we are commanded to deny ourselves, take up our crosses and follow Him. (Mat 16:24). However, we may not fully realize (as I did not realize) the significance of our crosses and what they are truly achieving in our lives. We often forget that between the promises of God and the fulfillment of that promise is usually a cross of pain, process, and perhaps persecution. The Scriptures tell us that we are changed into His image from glory to glory (2 Cor 3:18), but we often need reminding that during this transformation we may experience distress and discomfort. The Bible states that we must crucify our flesh with the affections and lusts (Gal 5:24), and to present our bodies as living sacrifices (Rom 12:1). However, we must be aware of the fact that the process of crucifying and sacrificing is not pleasant or enjoyable. When Jesus told us to take up our cross, we must understand that a cross is symbolic of suffering, sorrow, false accusation and persecution. In Jesus' time, those who were accused and condemned for being rebels or loathsome criminals were tortured and then crucified. The convicted was scourged or flogged to a state just short of death. They were beaten with a flagrum (a whip made of bone and metal attached to leather strands). Scourging produced deep bruising, lacerated skin and muscles, considerable blood loss and even shock. After the scourging or flogging, the condemned was forced to carry part of their own cross (top crossbeam) to the site of the crucifixion outside the city. The cross (crucifixion) was one of the most painful, gruesome, humiliating, and disgraceful forms of execution. Some crosses (tests, trials, and tribulations) are unavoidable in our lives! As with Christ, we were predestined to face them. They must happen! Our destiny depends on them! (2 Tim 3:12 KJV "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.") During my time of crying out to God, wanting my test/trial to quickly end; the Lord took me to the Word concerning His suffering, His cross, His abandonment, and crucifixion. Then He asked me the question "WHICH CROSS ARE YOU ON?" It is my prayer that as you face your cross (tests, trials, and tribulations) in life, that you sincerely seek the Lord and ask Him the meaning and the revelation of your cross. My hope and prayers are that while you are seeking the Lord that He will also reveal to you, WHAT CROSS YOU ARE ON!