It seems like so much in our age is determined by newness or freshness. For example, we have music, clothing, and architectural styles that all change regularly. Sometimes people are categorized by their freshness by what they are up on. However, with Christianity it is not so. At least, it should not be so.
Men and women are called to come behold the glories of Jesus through his radiant cross-work. We are called to come and stand with eyes blinded in holy befuddlement of the realties of Golgotha. This is the same cross that has been satisfying the shredded conscience of all earthly pilgrims since the first Friday of redemption.
We will never get over this cross. Even in heaven we will live in a state of constant amazement, wonder and joy as we gather around the Lamb who was slain. For the believer, every heavenly hymn, every ounce of heavenly joy, and every second standing in the Celestial City is procured by bloodstained wood of Calvary. Unlike anything else, the cross will not ever loose its luster, it will not fade, and it will not depreciate. Instead redeemed saints will humbly esteem this humble King who took the rebels’ stripes.
What does this say to the one who today tires of hearing of the cross in preaching? Or the one who’s meditations of the cross have been exhausted? Or to the one who finds the cross to be good for justification, but lacks the punch for the rest of life?
What will the Lamb who was slain say to such things? I think this is the type of thing that moves the Lamb to vomit (Rev. 3.16). What could be more insulting to the one with nail pierced hands than to hear a professing follower yawn at the foot of the cross. If there is enough on Calvary for God to be eternally satisfied then there is enough for the Christian.
There is nothing else for you Christian but the infinite reservoir of love and grace flowing from Calvary. As D.A. Carson says, “You will never master the gospel, it will only master you.” You will keep growing, loving, appreciating, marveling, and rejoicing in it. This starts the hour you first believe and will never end! Even as Christ lights heaven (Rev.21.23) with his glory, he radiates a believer’s heart to likewise behold and glory in his beauty.
So jealously contend for the cross to dominate your own affections, for this is the eternal employment of the believer. If you start to grow tired of it, check you pulse, and labor instead to grow tired of yourself, and in so doing behold the intricacies of Calvary, where the eternal King bowed his head that yours might be lifted.