Journey to Jerusalem Day 23

Thursday, March 11 Romans 7:12-20
12 So the law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good.
13 Did that which is good, then, bring death to me? By no means! It was sin, producing death in me through what is good, in order that sin might be shown to be sin, and through the commandment might become sinful beyond measure. 14 For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am of the flesh, sold under sin. 15 For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. 16 Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good. 17 So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. 18 For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. 19 For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. 20 Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me.

This Passage is the perfect example of the inward battle we fight daily. We want to be in full pursuit of the cross, yet the old pleasures like to say hi, and creep back in.

The image this passage brings to mind is an old, obscure David Crowder Band song named Shadows. The chorus goes:
When shadows fall on us
We will not fear
We will remember
When darkness falls on us
We will not fear
We will remember
When all seems lost
When we're thrown and we're tossed
We'll remember the cost
We're resting in the shadow of the cross

The song brings an image of security that the cross brings. We are standing behind the cross as it protects us from wickedness. The cross empowers us and transforms us from the flesh that once took hold. We slowly transform into a shadow ourselves, which creates multiple images, one by becoming more like the cross and one that is covering us. Both are equally beautiful, which we should pursue.

We must reflect on how we get there. A good start is humbling ourselves before the cross like Paul, “For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh.” So, pray with me:

When darkness falls on me, allow me to stand firm and strong. Allow me to stand firm and not fear. Help me remember the cost of the shadow from Jesus, and the cost of living as His shadow. Transform and humble me Lord.
Amen.