“When Jesus had again crossed over by boat to the side of the lake, a large crowd gathered around him.”
Mark 5:21
Jesus never enjoyed much elbow room during His public ministry. There was always a multitude, pushing and shoving to get close. When He taught in the temple, there was hardly space to breathe. When He taught in a home, people stood wall-to-wall, spilling out into the front yard and hanging from the roof. And when He tried to escape the crowd in a boat, He dropped anchor on the other side only to find another horde awaiting Him. No room for Jesus — His life even began that way at the crowded inn.
There was one place, however, where Jesus had more than enough room, almost too much space. It was a place where nobody was shoving to get close, no one wanted a ringside seat. There was plenty of room near the cross.
Sadly, it’s true today. Many Christians are satisfied to remain at a safe distance from the Cross. Yet if we are to see real and lasting change in our lives, if we are to reckon ourselves dead to sin, it requires keeping near the Cross.
Near the cross! O Lamb of God,
Bring its scenes before me;
Help my walk from day to day with its shadows o’er me.
In the cross, in the cross
Be my glory ever,
Till my raptured soul shall find rest, beyond the river.*
Lord Jesus, You surrendered to hell’s worst that I might attain heaven’s best. You were tormented that I might be comforted, and made a shame that I might inherit glory. You entered darkness that I might have eternal light. Praise You for dying… that I might live forever!
Blessings,
Joni and Friends
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*Crosby, Fanny, “Near the Cross,” The Hymnal, Word Publishing, Waco, Texas, p. 385
