A Devotional by Pastor Cesar Castellanos
Today’s Bible Verse
“But I, when I am lifted up from the Earth, will draw all men to Myself.”
John 12:32
The Revelation of the Cross
Jesus’ circle of friends, those he spent most of His time with, was made up of twelve people. He became their spiritual leader, and his disciples believed that He was the promised Messiah.
There came a time when they were surprised to hear Jesus say, “But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself.” (John 12:32) At this declaration they replied, “We have heard from the law that the Christ will remain forever, so how can you say, ‘The Son of Man must be lifted up?’” (John 12:34). They still did not understand that Jesus would have to go through the crucifixion, and that once he was lifted up on that Cross, the doors of hope would open for all people from every race, regardless of religion, culture, or socioeconomic status. It did not matter what era they were from, they would be drawn to Jesus through the Cross. Even the Apostles themselves would have to go through this experience.
Something to Think About
Years ago, my wife was meeting with her team of twelve in the city of Miami, teaching them about the importance of experiencing the revelation of the Cross. She shared with them that the only way to really know God as a father was to receive a revelation regarding the moment Jesus gave His life for us. She then invited each one of them to say a prayer, asking the Lord to give them the revelation of the Cross.
When it was my wife’s turn, she said a simple prayer, “Lord I ask you to give me the revelation of the Cross right now.” Straight away, she received one of the most extraordinary revelations of her life. She felt the Lord take her spirit and unite it with Christ’s Spirit at the very moment He was being hanged on the Cross. She experienced loneliness and abandonment. She saw thick dark clouds and knew these were legions of demons that were coming against Jesus like ferocious wolves wanting to devour His flesh. She also saw the demonic principalities represented as wild buffalos coming to release fury at Jesus. However, my wife always says, the most painful moment was when she saw that the Heavenly Father had turned his back on Jesus, distancing Himself from Him because of all the sin of humanity that His Son was carrying. My wife could not stop crying the entire night. At that time we had a trip to California planned, for a conference, and during the entire journey she was crying. She continued like this for the whole week. Without a doubt this experience made a lasting impression on my wife’s life.
Prayer
“Father, my greatest desire is to be able to know You in a personal way, but I know I will achieve this in greater depth when I have experienced the revelation of the Cross. I ask You to give me the privilege of sharing that moment with You, the moment You gave Your life for me.”
Today’s Declaration
“I am called by Jesus, drawn in by His love, redeemed through His Cross and transformed by His grace.”
Today’s Bible Reading
- Old Testament: Genesis 36; Psalm 16
- New Testament: Matthew 6:25-34; Acts 9:20-43
