The Cross of Christ: Crux of Christianity

Photo Credit: churchofchrist.org

By Ogiri John Ogiri

In the last one week, the social media have been awash with video stories of attacks and counter-attacks between Daddy Freeze and some Nigerian pastors, notably Pastor David Ibiyomeh of the Salvation Ministries over the former's criticism of the leader of Living Faith Church, Dr Pastor David Oyedepo.
In the heat of the verbal wars, careless statements were made by both sides, with one threatening the life of the other. 
Many have condemned the unnecessary verbal wars between them advising that they sheath their swords. I am of the same opinion.
However, one thing is sure, and that thing is that, at the end of the whole drama between Daddy Freeze and some of our pastors, we will be exposed to the truth about who has been working, not just in the name of God, but for God, through Christ.
We must not forget to remember that true men of God are unveiled in moments of criticism or persecution, not in moments of comfort and merriment.
In a situation like that, what would Christ have done? We must learn from the master himself.
While interceding for his executors during his agony on the Cross, he prayed " Father, forgive them for they know not what they are doing!" (Luke 23:34).
He even rebuked Peter who tried to defend and protect him. "From that time Jesus began to show to his disciples, that he must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the ancients and scribes and chief priests, and be put to death, and the third day rise again. And Peter taking him, began to rebuke him, saying: Lord, be it far from you, this shall not happen to you.
Jesus, who turning, said to Peter: Go behind me, Satan, thou art a scandal unto me: because thou savourest not the things that are of God, but the things that are of men.
Then Jesus said to his disciples: If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
For he that will save his life, shall lose it: and he that shall lose his life for my sake, shall find it. For what does it profit a man, if he gains the whole world, and suffers the loss of his own soul? Or what exchange shall a man give for his soul? (Cf Matthew 16:21-26)
James and John tried to defend him by fighting for him but Jesus vehemently rebuked them, giving them a lesson they never anticipated. They were schooled again.
"And it came to pass, when the days of his assumption were accomplishing, that he steadfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem. And he sent messengers before his face; and going, they entered into a city of the Samaritans, to prepare for him.
And they received him not, because his face was of one going to Jerusalem. And when his disciples James and John had seen this, they said: Lord, do you want us to command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them as Elijah did? And turning, he rebuked them, saying: You know not of what spirit you are.The Son of man came not to destroy souls, but to save. And they went into another town." (Cf Luke 9:51-56)
Even when the people came to arrest him, Peter was there to fight for him. He even drew his sword and cut off Malcus, one of the high priest's servant's ears. But Jesus would not support violence. "Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it, and struck the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear. And the name of the servant was Malchus. Jesus therefore said to Peter: Put up thy sword into the scabbard. The chalice which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it? Then the band and the tribune, and the servants of the Jews, took Jesus, and bound him" (cf John 18:10-12)
It is instructive to remember that Christianity is not a religion of comfort and convenience, but a religion of the Cross. " If anyone wants to be a follower of mine, he should take up his cross and follow me" (Cf Matthew 16:24)
Indeed, the Cross of Christ is the crux of Christianity!
Therefore, if you can't take the heat of the cross, don't go near. If you think becoming a Christian leader will suddenly shed you from attacks, bequeathing on you only the privilege of luxury, don't try at all because you'll be disappointed.
Dominus vobiscum!

©Ogiri John Ogiri