“Say what you will about the Ten Commandments, you must always come back to the pleasant fact that there are only ten of them.” -H.L. Mencken (1880-1956) American journalist

The apostle Paul had a single-minded vision for his life. He was focused.

“MAY I NEVER BOAST EXCEPT IN THE CROSS OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, THROUGH WHICH THE WORLD HAS BEEN CRUCIFIED TO ME, AND I TO THE WORLD.” 

-GALATIANS 6:14 

Paul used the Greet term Σταυρός— for cross ten times. Ten Times, Paul writes of the cross–It is that for which the Incarnation took place and to which the Resurrection attests. 

Jesus taught the downcast Emmaus disciples that the OT had foretold his death, “O foolish men, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” Luke 24:25 

There is no gospel without atonement. It is the reason for the Incarnation. The resurrection is not merely a victory over death (though it is) but proof that the atonement was satisfactory in the sight of the Father and that death -as a result of sin- is forever abolished–CROSSED out. 

 Only a crucified man can write of the cross TEN TIMES. 

“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me…” Galatians 2:20 

The apostle Paul is known for his writing about grace and joy. However, he had a “cross pen.”  

Live a Crossed Out life this week. 

♱♱♱♱♱♱♱♱♱♱

Prayer: 

Almighty God, 

In your tender love for the human race you sent your Son our Savior Jesus Christ to take upon him our nature, and to suffer death upon the cross, giving us the example of his great humility: Mercifully grant that we may walk in the way of his suffering, and also share in his resurrection; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen (from The Book of Common Prayer, 1979 edition)