SPIRIT BRAND

SPIRITUALITY for the 21st Century

Lately, when you hear someone say, “Did you hear that _____crossed over?” Those words usually find their context in some sexual connotation.  The implication is to have gone from what is appropriate and right (that is “culturally”) and step over, or cross over to something that is inappropriate or conservatively wrong…as you can see, this blog is already full of labels and I am sure, I may have already offended some… Give me a chance!  Don’t stop reading yet!

The whole idea of crossing over is rooted in biblical history.  From the very beginning, God “crossed over” by moving into the realm of humanity and creation. From infinity, God crosses over into the finite…he Who was eternal, everlasting chooses to enter the temporal and corporeal.  The Almighty crosses over to become the Creator.  He who is the Master Designer, develops an intelligent design, and creates the creation.  God crosses over to the “material world.”  The Eternal sets in motion a biblical precedent…crossing over!  Are you glad He did?

Israel, the covenant people, gives us another illustration of biblical history.  As a nation, deep in struggle and bondage, Israel calls on Jehovah to rescue and deliver them.  As their act of faith, Moses (Exodus 14) instructs the nation to move away from their fears of an enemy chasing them, and a seemingly impossible obstacle of the Red Sea, and cross over to their promised land–their destiny!  The people of God would cross over from the land of servitude to their land of promise!  Fear, their own final enemy, is defeated by an act of faith–a simple step towards an impassable body of water!

It is a simple reminder for all of us that even miracles (as gargantuan as the crossing over the Red Sea might be…) cannot secure for any of us that we will continue down the right path.  As a nation, Israel is a powerful illustration that wrong decisions will lead to wanderings (forty years of it!).  Acts of unbelief will cause any and all of us many detours in our lives!  It will take another crossing over to finally get to the final destination (Joshua 3).  Finally, after all those who walked in unbelief died, Israel positions themselves to act in faith and would cross over the Jordan (Joshua 6).  Unbelief, their final enemy, is defeated by an act of faith–a simple step across the powerful Jordan!

We find ourselves over areas in our lives where the issue of crossing over is a indelible moment for each of us!  Whether it is fear or unbelief, we must take a simple step of faith, defeat the enemy that binds and move towards the impossibility!  Here’s a few things I believe deep down:

1.  “Crossing over”  is vital, necessary, and an opportunity to grow for each and every one of us!

2.  When you face (not “if”) the issue of “crossing over,” respond in a simple step!

3.  If we listen closely, the Spirit is whispering, “You can do it!”

4.  The miracle is not on the other side; it is in the “crossing over!”

5.  The Spirit of God empowers the act of faith!

6.  You and I have walked this path before…and we have found with God nothing is impossible!

7.  There is thrill and deep-seated joy in the adventure of “crossing over!”

I hope that this encourages you in the journey–your own spiritual adventure of faith!