The Cross Road is what Christians refer to as the Way of the Cross. More often than not, we really don’t understand how this relates to us. Let us always start with Scripture. Jesus said this;
Matthew 16:24 (AMP)
Then Jesus said to His disciples, If anyone desires to be My disciple, let him deny himself [disregard, lose sight of, and forget himself and his own interests] and take up his cross and follow Me [cleave steadfastly to Me, conform wholly to My example in living and, if need be, in dying, also].
This statement clarifies what He did and it shows us our part, but we still must figure out what exactly the “cross” represents. We know that Christ sacrificed himself for us on a cross, but long before that Christ took up His own cross. He sacrificed the privilege of “Godhood” to become a human and while he was here on earth, he lived as a pauper. He could have miraculously had enough to eat, a fine home, the good will of the people around him, but He chose to live life as the poorest and most oppressed live it. He is the King, but the King knows what its like to be us. That is why He can always relate to what we are going through. He humbled himself as Paul describes here in Philippians
Philippians 2:3-11 (AMP)
Do nothing from factional motives [through contentiousness, strife, selfishness, or for unworthy ends] or prompted by conceit and empty arrogance. Instead, in the true spirit of humility (lowliness of mind) let each regard the others as better than and superior to himself [thinking more highly of one another than you do of yourselves].
Let each of you esteem and look upon and be concerned for not [merely] his own interests, but also each for the interests of others.
Let this same attitude and purpose and [humble] mind be in you which was in Christ Jesus: [Let Him be your example in humility:]
Who, although being essentially one with God and in the form of God [possessing the fullness of the attributes which make God God], did not think this equality with God was a thing to be eagerly grasped or retained,
But stripped Himself [of all privileges and rightful dignity], so as to assume the guise of a servant (slave), in that He became like men and was born a human being.
And after He had appeared in human form, He abased and humbled Himself [still further] and carried His obedience to the extreme of death, even the death of the cross!
Therefore [because He stooped so low] God has highly exalted Him and has freely bestowed on Him the name that is above every name,
That in (at) the name of Jesus every knee should (must) bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
And every tongue [frankly and openly] confess and acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Today, many would call Christ a failure. And it could be true if not for the fact that God planned to sacrifice Himself., so Christ succeeded in following God’s plan.
God’s plan was to save us, yes…but also to leave us an example. Then by the power of the Holy Spirit, Christ helps us accomplish it. The Cross Road is a place where we get to partner with Christ in giving up our old sinful nature and allowing Him to live through us. The best place to start is with prayer, so I am going to let you in on how my daily prayer life goes. I always begin with the prayer that Jesus taught because it has all the elements for a pleasing prayer to God. The first line is “Our Father, who art in heaven, Holy is thy Name.
Here is my way of making this first line count for me;
“Father, you are in heaven and I am on earth. You know everything and my knowledge is only partial. You are the Creator, the Sustainer of Life and you are my Salvation and I thank you that you have saved me.”
I call to mind as many of the names of God as I can and I thank Him asking Him to send a fresh filling of His Spirit to me. I try to remember that life is not about me and it is His Plan that is important. His commands are my food. I confess however, that most of the time my focus is all wrong.
Here is what I read as a daily lesson for myself to bring things back into focus. This is the way I handle it and I am not suggesting you do the same, but it makes my vision of my Cross Road cleaer.
- I will deny myself and put aside pride and arrogance. I will deny and (Waiting in traffic and in the store; deliberately make yourself last and maybe more available and with my girls…not expecting special treatment but giving it.)
2. If I want to make a sharp reply...deny myself and ask Jesus for the words (it only takes a second)
3. If I want to yell instead of deal with my daughters in a Christ-like manner…I will deny myself and pray that Jesus gives me the right answer to give to them If I mess up I will immediately repent and apologize (making small progress)
4. If I want to indulge myself in laziness, procrastination, or pleasures…I will deny myself and remember that Christ stopped for times of refreshing with the Father but was not self-indulgent in earthly things…so I will follow His lead
5. If I find myself filling myself with food or zonking out in front of TV to escape from problems…I will deny myself and allow God to fill me with the Spirit and attend to His will in His Name..
6. If I wabt to tell “white” lies to smooth situations over because I judge them necessary…I am to deny myself and speak the truth in the most loving way possible. (Doing better on that)
To me, the CROSS is the death of the flesh…of that which leads me into sin. Therefore, I must remember daily to crucify that flesh…to choose God’s Way …the Way of the Cross. I am to live the death of Christ in myself, daily, yielding to Him
Lord, my feelings are irrelevant as tools for decision making…they are not to be trusted. I will obey God… my feelings will adjust. I know I need to acknowledge the feelings and bring my “brokenness” to Jesus
Lord, I am broken and feel no longer capable outside of your Spirit to guide myself. Please fill me and help me to discern what to do next.
‘Lord, let me speak your Word, not judgmental thoughts. No bad talk, no yelling, no pride and no dishonor to you in any way (not as good as I would like it to be)
Lord, let me fill my time with things that honor you and help me to not fill my mind up with worldly garbage.
Lord, only by your power can I accomplish any of this, so I thank you that you have given me the power by your Holy Spirit to do these things. I will trust in you.
Once I go through this I pray for others and then complete the Lord’s prayer from “May your Kingdom come may your will be done” After that I lay out my requestst. Once you submit to God you realize his greatness and amazing capacity to take care of you.
Lord, let me speak as you would…not judgemental truth, but your words.
Lord, no bad talk, no yelling, no pride, and no dishonor to you in any way. (not so good right now)
Lord only by your power can I accomplish any of this therefore I will trust in you.
I hope that this makes the subject a bit clearer. Nothing is as good as being able to rely on the Creator and KIng of the universe to help you to become more of your true self.
You can read for free and purchase the journal of The Cross Road at:
THE CROSS ROAD EXPERIENCE 