Crossroads

​CROSSROADS.
 
Intersections of life where we must choose a direction.
 
Our scripture for this week gives us a glimpse of a sacred, crossroad scenario that was played out over 2,000 years ago.
 
“And He went a little beyond them, and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as Thou wilt.”                        Matthew 26:39
 
In the Garden of Gethsemane, God’s only Son knelt at a crucial life crossroad.
 
The weight of the world’s sin was crushing Christ’s spirit. Grieved and distressed to the point of death, Jesus wrestled with a destiny determining decision. A cruel Roman crucifixion on a rugged cross was beckoning to Him on a hill called Calvary.
 
The Son of God was confronted with a monumental decision that would affect time and eternity for Him and humanity.
 
The crossroad Jesus faced: to become sin and die for sinners or not. Do I turn to the cross or turn from it? His flesh desired one way, His spirit another. A critical crossroads.
 
God’s love for Jesus and all of us was the key issue at the crossroad our Lord and Savior faced. Jesus did not cave into heart-rending emotions which ran rampant, circumstances which were stacked against him, the failure of friends surrounding him, or pressure from the devil to turn His back on humanity.
           
At the crossroads, Jesus went to the Cross.
 
Jesus chose the will of God because He chose the love of God.
 
At the Cross, Jesus displayed the unconditional, immeasurable love of God that saved humanity from sin, death and the grave. Hallelujah and thank you Lord Jesus!
 
What about His followers? At the crossroads of the Cross, Peter, James, John and the others failed miserably. Falling asleep at their watch post, they were not ready when Jesus awoke them and headed toward the Cross. Sleepy-eyed and spiritually unprepared, the Lord’s arrest, suffering, and death took them by surprise, shaking their confidence and courage.
 
What a contrast of action at a crossroad. Jesus walked straight to the Cross. He went forth in victorious faith! While their Master walked to the Cross, His closest, most loyal supporters walked away from it. The disciples fled in fear and ended up discouraged and defeated.
 
Life’s crossroads require good decisions.
 
Should I marry this person or not? Is this the career path God has for me? Which church will be our family’s spiritual home? Morally do I go this way or that way?
 
Good decisions are made when we remember what kind of decision Jesus made for us.
 
My friend do not be at a loss when faced with a life-altering decision. Choose not to be tossed around by circumstances. Stay grounded in faith. Keep your head on straight and look to Jesus. He will quiet your soul and direct your steps.
 
* When Confronted With A Crossroad…...
 
……. Submit your feelings to your faith.
           
……. Engage your head as well as your heart.
           
……. Consider the long view as well as the short term.
           
……. Search the Scriptures for God’s direction.
           
……. Stay focused on Jesus Christ.
           
……. Determine to do God’s will, not yours.
           
……. Thank God for directing your steps.
 
……. Take the steps the Lord directed you to take.
 
            How about you? Needing to make a critical decision that will direct your destiny? Get alone with God. Pour your heart out to the Father. After laying everything before Him, release your situation with faith. Resolve to hear His voice. Then do what He tells you to do. That is what Jesus did.
 
Trust your crossroad to the One who faced the Cross and is risen from the dead!
 
 “Fixing our eyes upon Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him, endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”                                                                        Hebrews 12:2
A Word For Your Week: When facing a crossroad, keep the Cross in the middle of the road.