Jesus Keep Near the Cross

Daily Devotional – Thursday, February 28, 2024
But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me and I to the world.
Galatians 6:14 (NKJV)

Have you had the experience of having a song invade your mind and dominate your thinking? It keeps ringing in your mind and refuses to go away. That is what happened to me today. Fanny Crosby’s famous hymn, ‘Jesus Keep Near the Cross’ captured my thought and left me with a deep impression of my constant need for Jesus.

At the Foot of Calvary

Calvary reminds me that I am a vile sinner who deserves death and eternal damnation, but Jesus changed my destiny through His sacrificial death. Indeed, I have nothing to add to what God did on the cross. He paid the debt of sin in full.

In addition, I want to remain near the cross because the only way I can pay Jesus back (if that were even possible) is by living for Him. Such a great love calls for total surrender of my body, thoughts, emotions, and everything I am and own.

Jesus Keep Near the Cross

Moreover, it is by remaining at the cross that I gain the strength to continue with the heavenly journey. Calvary reminds me that He who began a good work in me will not rest until He receives me into eternity. Through His Holy Spirit, God continues to impart His image back into me.

Further, I want Jesus to keep me near the cross because I identify with the Apostle Paul’s affirmation: “But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.” (Galatians 6:14). Which reasons do you have for wanting Jesus to retain you at the foot of the cross?

Prayer
Jesus, keep near the cross.