Scripture: Colossians 1 v 10 - 14: "That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;
11 Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:
13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:
14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:"
An untold number of newly saved Christians are so happy to be born again that they sit back and think, This far no further! New babies should never be left to their own devices. They have need of the milk of the Gospel. Baby food to build up their faith.
The Cross was our crossroads, our choice to become born again, or to reject salvation, or postpone it. We, who chose salvation, have been translated out of the world into the Kingdom of God. It is our spirits that are now with God.
From the moment of baptism in water after repentance, our spirit that was dead in sin, was exchanged for the nature of Jesus. Our spirits come alive in Him.
Our old way of life, our old man, died under the water. We are buried with Jesus in baptism and we are seated with Christ in heavenly places. He is alive in our flesh and soul body. Outside of Jesus we are dead. "For we are dead and our lives are hid with Christ in God." Colossians 3 v 3.
Jesus is seated on the right hand of the Father therefore we are up close and personal with our Father at all times. He communicates with us Spirit to spirit. He pours His love, wisdom, acceptance, encouragement and blessings upon us. As much as He loves Jesus, He loves us. We are the Body of His Son. If our child has challenges to any part of its body we do not reject that part, we do everything we can to improve it and heal it.
So when the Holy Spirit sees some imperfection in us, like anger, fear or disobedience, He stirs our conscience (that inner twinge that says I shouldn't have said or done that) to be sorry and make amends. However, some stubborn souls rebel and squash the conscience with the determination that "they had it coming!"
Often these souls need guidance through the Word or through a pastor or Christian friend. If they don't heed the Word, reinforcements are required. Sometimes the Father has to chastise the unruly soul. Suddenly, things are going wrong at home, at work. Relationships become tense, or a contract gets cancelled. The Lord allows these things in order to regain our attention.
Right now the Lord is getting a great deal of attention in the global revival that started in Kentucky in February. Previously, the pandemic had many calling on the name of Jesus. That crisis has now subsided but others have arisen.
In Somalia, Africa, 43,000 people died in the past year because of drought. There is now famine in the land which will take many more lives. We need to pray for the Lord to bring revival in this area so that they may be blessed and find life. The was in Ukraine rumbles on, a killing field that should stop as its so unnecessary. The earthquakes in Turkey/Syria are off the front pages but its still severe in those places. Jesus died for these souls too.
That's what going beyond the Cross does. It causes us to be set apart for God's purpose. Not that we walk about in goody-twoshoes fashion, but we are aware God has a task for us. Something above and beyond the call of duty is required of us.
There are souls that have not received the proper gospel teaching in their youth, who are now confused and become contrary. Some souls have heard strange explanations for speaking in tongues and refuse the baptism of the Holy Spirit because of their objections.
Our tasks are to patiently reveal the truth to them and answer their questions according to the Word of God, trusting the Holy Spirit to work with us to help people receive the fullness of what God has for them. He needs us to use all the gifts of the Holy Spirit to reach and teach and demonstrate the power of God.
Our greatest task is to testify of our salvation to those who are still on the outside looking in, or running away. The best way is to convey what God means to us without saying a word. Showing the changes He has made in our lives, showing love and kindness to those who have little, staying humble and discreet are ornaments of great value to our Father.
A Christian lady was sent by God to Japan. She could neither speak nor understand the language. She spent her days traveling in the elevator just helping mothers with children and shopping bags get themselves sorted. She helped elderly people, or anyone who was ill. She smiled and nodded to them until they depended on her. They found Jesus through her love.
We must go beyond the Cross to fulfil our function in the Body of Christ. We are needed to demonstrate the love and mercy of God to those who are lost in sin. Words are not enough, they need to see Jesus in action in our lives.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for translating us into Your Kingdom to enjoy the peace of Heaven while on Earth. Help us to live fruitful lives beyond the Cross and to demonstrate Your love to the world. In Jesus' name. Amen.