II Samuel 24:1-25
"And the king said unto Araunah, Nay: but I will surely buy it of thee at a price: neither will I offer burnt offerings unto the LORD my God of that which doth cost me nothing. So David bought the threshing floor sand the oxen for fifty shekels of silver" (24:24).
There used to be (it still may be running) a world renowned Passion Play held each year in the city of Oberammergau, Germany. It was known for its theatrical expertise, setting, scenery and heart rending re-enactment. Years ago, Dr. W.A. Criswell was in attendance and he was told of another American family there for the same showing. Dr. Criswell said that between acts, the wife in this other American family suggested to her husband that he go and pick up the actual cross that was used in the Passion Play. She wanted to get a picture of her husband carrying the cross of Christ as it was depicted in the play. However, when the man went to pick the cross up, he could not lift it. As he was trying to lift the cross, the man who played Christ in the production for 30 years, Anthony Lang, came walking by. The American man asked the actor, “This is just a play; why is the cross so heavy?.” I want you to listen to what Anthony Lang said. With humility and simplicity, Lang stated: “Sir, when I carry it, if I do not feel it, I cannot play my part.”
I believe that is true for all of us as Christians. If our daily devotion to Christ does not cost us anything- if we cannot feel it, experience it- it becomes meaningless and monotonous. Our christianity becomes nothing more than monotonous routine if it does not cost us anything- if we are not challenged, if we are not obedient to His call and His cause.
The challenge today and this week and every day, is to get out of our comfort zone, take up the cross of Christ, and show this world our devotion to Him. What is your christianity costing you? Take an opportunity today, this week, to share the Gospel with that co-worker. Take an opportunity to invite someone to be in the house of God with you this Sunday. Deny yourself and totally submit to His Lordship in EVERY area of your life. It is a grand adventure!
Brother Stuart
Eph. 3:20