John 12:24-27 ‘Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.’

DAILY READING  •   Matthew 5:21-48; Exodus 30-32; Proverbs 14

In 2014, a news release in the New York Times by the International Christian Concern (ICC) reported that religious buildings have been targeted for demolition in China. The anti-church campaign eventually saw over 360 churches completely or partially demolished under the guise of “removing or modifying illegal constructions.” For those Churches which escaped demolition, the Chinese government began removing the crosses atop these church buildings.  As a result Christians began to keep vigil around their churches.  In one particular incident, the Police decided to come in the early hours of the morning . At the ShuiTou Salvation Church in Pingyang, Wenzhou City, 1,000 Christians had formed a human blockade and guarded the church. But around 3:00 a.m, on July 21, 2014, around 400 police officers attempted to forcibly remove the cross atop the church building. However the church members who were on guards formed a human shield around the building denying the police access. Reports said that, Police beat some of the Christians with iron batons, severely injuring at least four. Bloody pictures and videos of riots from the incident were circulated on China’s social network. Though the police retreated after a while, the Christians remained ready for any attacks from the government. These Chinese Christians vowed to continue to guard their churches and stop the crosses from being removed.. In many churches members were  divided into two groups and took turns to guard the church building through the night.

The Cross is the most fundamental symbol of Christianity. It is seen  everywhere there are Christians. We identify Christianity with the Cross. It is not then a surprise that many times an outward attack against Christianity is an attack on the cross. The enemy does not only seek to get rid of the cross physically, he also seeks to get rid of the cross in the life of a believer. Just like the Chinese authorities were trying to pull down the cross, spiritually also the enemy is trying to pull down the cross in the lives of believers. But like these Chinese Christians, we must constantly stay on guard to ensure the enemy does not have his way.

Why the enemy fights the cross is because of what it represents, which is the victory that Christ won for us at Calvary. The cross is the symbol of our salvation and freedom. Through the Cross death itself was destroyed and the sins of the world were forgiven. Through the Cross joy came into the world and God was glorified. Daily the cross reminds the enemy of the fact that he is defeated and Christ has won the victory.  The Cross is ultimately a sign of victory and hope, even though it is simultaneously a symbol of denial, sacrifice, and death.

The cross represents death to the flesh. Anyone wanting to follow Jesus must be prepared to pay the price of living a crucified life. It is a life of denying the flesh and living in accordance to God’s Word.  Like Jesus said in John 12:24-27 ‘Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.’

We can only successfully live the Christian life when we are willing to die to the flesh.  ‘Christ crucified,” is the focal point of the Gospel. It is a picture of blood flowing from Christ’s veins as He hung on the cross.  The blood that Christ shed at Calvary is the ultimate price for our deliverance.

Therefore we must hold up the cross and continuously celebrate what it represents to us. Indeed the price of blood Jesus paid has rendered  every works of darkness powerless in our lives. Through the blood we exercise dominion over sickness and poverty and every contrary thing. By the blood we enjoy divine protection, and live in victory as favored sons of God upon the earth.

PRAYER: Lord, I thank You for the great price that was paid for my salvation. Please help me to constantly live a life that glorifies You in every way, all the days of my life in Jesus Name.  

Quote :

You have got to learn to ignore what the devil is reporting and acknowledge the report of God’s Word in your life. – WORDBITE 222.