Crucified Hearts

Christ has purchased us with his own blood. By paying the redemption price, to set us free from our slavery to sin, He has reconciled us to God. “You were bought with a price; do not become slaves of men.” (1 Cor. 7:23)

Again it is said: “For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body. (1 Cor. 6:20)

Of course, this is the great offense of the cross, that human beings who themselves long to be served as gods, must acknowledge that they are dependent mortal creatures who can only have life and light by acknowledging their true identity under God. We were bought to become slaves of righteousness (Rom. 6.16-20).

We who love to boast, who crave the spotlight and applause, to be petted and adored, are offended by the honor and glory extended to him who took the lowest place among us, the divine King becoming a Servant of servants. It is the essence of human hubris, this blindness to the divine humility which says the first shall be last and the last shall be first.

How do we not see that he who humbled himself in obedience, even the death on a cross, substituting himself as a sacrifice for our sins, should not be exalted above us? Why do we withhold from him our obedience and adoration, why does it offend us that every knee should bow at the name that is above every other name, the name of Jesus? (Phil. 2.5-11)

Does this offend you?

“Which of you, having a slave plowing or tending sheep, will say to him when he has come in from the field, ‘Come immediately and sit down to eat’? But will he not say to him, ‘Prepare something for me to eat, and properly clothe yourself and serve me while I eat and drink; and afterward you may eat and drink’? He does not thank the slave because he did the things which were commanded, does he? So you too, when you do all the things which are commanded you, say, ‘We are unworthy slaves; we have done only that which we ought to have done.’”
— Luke 17:7-10

Heaven is not offended.

Nor should we forget that the image we bear on earth will be exchanged for a new image in heaven, made in his likeness as priests and kings. If we have born with him in his suffering here we will bear glory with him in the age to come.

“…and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.”
— Romans 8:17

This too is part of our wonderful redemption by his blood. Let us sing with the angels this song of praise.

“And they sang a new song, saying,
“Worthy are You to take the book and to break its seals; for You were slain, and purchased for God with Your blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation.
“You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to our God; and they will reign upon the earth.”
— Revelation 5:9-10