Not On The Cross

 By: Grace Metzger

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery
trial when it comes upon you to test you, 
as though something strange were happening
to you. But rejoice insofar as you share

 Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice
and be glad when His glory is revealed.

‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭4‬:‭12‬-‭13‬ ‭ESV‬‬

The other day as I was doing my doom scrolling on TikTok, yes I’m aware of how bad of a habit that is, when I came across a TikTok. Normally with my ruined intention span I can only watch them for a few seconds before I turn off, but something about this one captivated my attention. It made me want to watch the whole thing. She was going on about different things she’s heard other pastors share. One thing she shared is people are always complaining about how life isn’t fair, but if life was fair that you’d be hanging on the cross. I won’t lie I like that video and then I turned off the app and stared at the wall for 10 minutes. I too have been known to complain about how life is unfair, been so focused on the woe is me. I’ve never once considered how unfair it was that I’m not hanging on the cross.

After staring at the wall for what felt like an eternity, I opened up my Bible and started reading about Jesus right before His death. I don’t believe that Jesus was looking forward to the cross. I believe that He was happy that we were going to be saved. But the actual physical part, I think no one could look forward to. The description in the Bible talks about Him being stripped, beaten, etc. It’s so awful that His own mother didn’t even recognize Him at the end of it. Yet Jesus did that for us.

I think about how often I complain, I’ve mentioned before I consider the act of complaining a hobby. I think about every time I get upset and pray to God why me? Why do I have to go through this? Yet have I ever considered it a blessing that this is all I’m going through. The worst thing in my life is a small amount of physical pain or losing a loved one even though I’ll see them in heaven soon. What hurt Jesus was becoming human, being betrayed, being mocked, being beaten, and so much more. How blessed am I that life isn’t fair? How lucky am I that God has mercy on my soul.

For all have sinned and fall
short of the glory of God.

‭‭Romans‬ ‭3‬:‭23‬ ‭ESV‬‬

The Bible warns us that the wages of sin is death. We are all sinners, even you and me, yet because life isn’t fair we don’t have to die. Instead we get this beautiful eternal life with God. How often do we acknowledge the blessing of God’s grace and kindness towards us? How have we been incorporating that thankfulness towards Him into our lives? I challenge you this week that every time you feel like complaining or whining instead you take a breath and thank God that He has mercy on you, thank Him that you’re not on the cross. 

Discussion question: How have you been incorporating thankfulness into your walk with God lately?