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TRUTH ON A HILL Mark 15:33-41 The events that occurred at Golgotha were witnessed by many. The chief priests and scribes mocked him. The women who followed him looked on from afar. Those who passed-by blasphemed him. Even those who were crucified with him reviled him. Truth was being crucified. Most did not love the truth, for it conflicted with what they thought was true. Even more, this truth threatened their own authority. So they crucified him. As Jesus breathed his last breath, the veil in the temple was torn in two from top to bottom, and a Roman centurion breathed a great truth, “Truly this man (Jesus) was the Son of God.” Truly, this revelation ought to change everything. If this man is the Son of God, then what he has spoken in his word must be truth, and therefore must be obeyed. It’s a question of authority. It’s a matter of eternal life or death. We must examine ourselves…for the truth that is Christ must be given a certain place within us. The most important room in the temple was the Holy of Holies. This place, which was separated by the veil, was the dwelling place of God. It was where his glory was manifest. Today, his Holy Spirit seeks to inhabit this same inner room that is within us. Tragically, much of our “Christianity” exists only in the outer courts of the temple. Our good deeds, our church attendance, and Bible Studies, even our Christian ministries go on while our own will and our own glory continue to inhabit the most holy place. Our churches have become seeker-sensitive and entertaining, instead of God-sensitive and praying—worldly, instead of holy. It is the result of a superficial cross—a cross which allows the sinner to live, and has no power to save. Jesus says “Whoever desires to come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me” (Mk. 8:34). The purpose of our cross is to crucify and execute judgment against sin. It crucifies our old (Adam) nature (Gal. 5:24). It tears our veil of flesh in two and opens up the most Holy Place. This is the place where, by God’s grace and repentance, we willingly enter into agreement with God, and yield to his authority. Being indwelt by his Spirit and in union with him, we intentionally, and with joy, place ourselves in the way of faith and obedience. No longer being a temple unto us, but giving the glory to God, and sincerely seeking to know him and to do his will. Do you not know that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are. (1 Cor. 3: 16-17) Which temple are you? Let him in today, and let God's glory fill the whole temple. Amen. ~ Jim Krauser
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