Jesus lives in me!

Photo by Edge2Edge Media on Unsplash

“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20, NIV)

Christ’s death

It’s hard to imagine that anyone would want to experience a crucifixion like that of Jesus. A Roman crucifixion, after all, was one of the most horrific forms of suffering devised by men. Only death could relieve such anguish caused by this form of punishment, yet death was strategically delayed in crucifixion so that the “criminal” could receive the full effect of their sentence.

It seems strange, then, that the Apostle Paul would identify with, and even glory in, Jesus’ suffering. Paul writes, “I have been crucified with Christ…” (Galatians 2:20, NIV). Perhaps, part of what Paul is saying is that his life is no longer his own. Paul’s entire identity is now hidden in Christ. His sin is embodied and forgiven in Jesus’ suffering and death, nailed to the cross and buried in the grave.

My life

May I, too, be crucified with Christ., that others would look beyond my exterior and see the inner workings of Jesus. Might the ugliness of my sin disappear, so that the glory of Christ can shine through me. May all that I am be covered up in the completeness of Jesus.

I thank Jesus for his crucifixion, whereby my sin was forgiven. I also pray that I might be crucified to self, that Jesus might fully live in me.

Prayer

Dear God, when others look at me, please let them see Jesus. I pray that everyday I may be more like him. In Jesus’ holy name I pray, Amen.