April 05 – ENEMIES OF THE CROSS!

“For many walk, of whom I have told you often…that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ. …whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame” (Philippians 3:18, 19).

Those who are the enemies of the Cross of Christ remain as enemies to His grace and mercy. In this Scripture portion, Paul the apostle mentions five factors about the enemies of Christ. 1. They are the ones to walk differently. 2. They are the ones who have decided to walk on the path of destruction. 3. Stomach is God for them. 4. Lust is their glory. 5. They always think of the worldly things alone.

If you remain with Christ as heir to the love of His Cross, you will surely inherit the blessings of the Cross. Cross is a great thing you have received. Is it not? Jesus submitted Himself on it for your sake. Is it not?

The path of the cross is a narrow one. Only chosen people will walk through the way of cross patiently. But, the enemies of the cross create luxurious paths for themselves. They are with the motive to enjoy the worldly pleasures.

Who is the enemy of the cross? The first enemy is Satan. He got pushed out of heaven because of his pride against God. He decided to take revenge on Jesus by nailing Him on the cross. It is for this purpose, he entered into Judas, who was one of Christ’s disciples. Satan, who planned to destroy Jesus Christ on the Cross, got destroyed by the same instead.

With His nail-pierced feet, Jesus Christ crushed the head of Satan. Jesus Made Satan inactive. All those who remain as enemies to the cross will also get destroyed along with Satan.

The next characteristic of the enemies of the cross is living only for the present, going behind the worldly things; running here and there in search of the perishables. Jesus has said not to worry over what to eat and what to drink which are worldly things (Mathew 6:31).

Dear children of God, join with the cross always. Only that will elevate you to eternity and lead you to eternal life. If there is no cross, there is no forgiveness, no Salvation, no Redemption and no deliverance.

To meditate: “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:20).