Sunday our pastor gave us a tremendous illustrated message on the passion of Christ, or put another way, the brutality He suffered from Gethsemane to His death. There wasn't a dry eye in the place, and everyone left with a huge sense of indebtedness to Jesus.

When we meditate on what He suffered for us - for me!, it leaves me feeling ashamed. Ashamed for ever complaining, ashamed for ever straying from the path, ashamed for the sin that caused that price to be necessary in the first place.

The result is a new devotion to Him - His person and His cause. The cross lays on me an obligation to ensure that the price wasn't paid in vain. I'm determined to go as far as I can with the Holy Spirit now. I want to leave no stone unturned. I want to squeeze out every drop because of the price Jesus paid. Whether in allowing myself to be molded, managing the family and resources entrusted to me, or in doing the tasks set before me, I'm determined to do it with abandon because of the price He paid.

Does the Cross lay any obligations on God though? He promises salvation because of that price, but as glorious as that is it's only the beginning. Rom 8:32 says, "He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all - how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things?"

Think on that verse a while dear friends! The surrounding verses are awesome as well, but once you've put it in context, focus on verse 32. Is anyone shouting yet? This is the promise of a victorious life in the supernatural God is eager to give because He also wants to sqeeze out every drop. The price was high, and He wants a return on His investment - YOU! The Cross motivates God to invest every resource He has in you and what He's called you to do.

-- Anonymous, March 26, 2002