PLAYING GAMES AT THE FOOT OF THE CROSS

“And when they had crucified him, they parted his garments, casting lots upon them, what every man should take.” - Mark 15:24

As we read the crucifixion story in the Gospels, we tend to overlook the verse above. The soldiers cast lots for Jesus' garments. In essence, they had a form of lottery going on, with the “winners” taking home part of Jesus' garments. How sad that soldiers would gamble for Jesus' clothing with no concern for the One who was dying on the cross. Their careless, calloused attitude reflected the spiritual mood of the day. They were playing games at the foot of the cross. Instead, they should have been worshiping the One who was dying for their sins.

Sadly, many in churches today are playing games at the foot of the cross. In spite of the proclamation of the Gospel, many “believers” act indifferent to the Lord and His sacrifice upon the cross. While public worship and communion are occurring in churches, many have their minds elsewhere. Others are “going through the motions,” merely pretending to be serious about spiritual matters. In America, we are experts at playing church. We are playing games at the foot of the cross.

While many souls are perishing, many are playing church. Like the soldiers who gambled for Jesus' clothing, we are sinning greatly at the very feet of the One who is holy. We know two things about the soldiers … and they are true of American Christians today.

1. TREATING CASUAL THINGS SACREDLY

First, the soldiers were treating casual things sacredly. They were treating the garments of Jesus as souvenirs. Perhaps they thought of treating His clothes like a trophy of Roman dominance. While some would consider His clothes to be sacred, it is the One who wore them that was really holy.

These days, Americans are like the Roman soldiers. We treat casual things as if they're holy. Many will travel for hours just to sit in a cold stadium, scream and yell for a football team for four hours. Others act like hunting and fishing are holy events. Some ladies treat a sale at the mall like a sacred event not to be missed. Even at church, Americans treat casual things like they're holy. Many will fuss and fume over the color of carpet being purchased. Others will complain because the sanctuary temperature is 2 degrees cooler than they think is comfortable.

Yes, like the Roman soldiers, we are treating casual things sacredly. We are playing games at the foot of the cross.

2. TREATING SACRED THINGS CASUALLY

Worst of all, the Roman soldiers were treating sacred things casually. Jesus Christ, the holy One, was hanging on a cross. They ignored Him as they gambled for His clothes. Which is more valuable, the clothes of Jesus or Jesus Himself? The answer is obvious.

Here in America, we are guilty of treating sacred things very casually. For many, church attendance is optional. Participation in worship is a chore to be endured rather than a holy expression of praise. The commandments of God are ignored. Like the church at Laodicea, the American church seems proud of her riches. Many boast about their buildings and budgets. We tend to worship the church building rather than the Savior. We are proud of our music instead of exalting the Master. We boast about exciting programs rather than praising Jesus. We seek to be “cool” and “relevant” instead of being faithful to the Lord and His Word. Too many pastors want to be seen and noticed rather than putting the spotlight only on Jesus. The Lord was right when He said, “This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.” We are treating serious things far too casually. We are playing games at the foot of the cross.

We need to have an awe and wonder about the cross once more. We need to seriously consider what Jesus did for us about the cross. The cross is not a place for games, but a place for repentance. The cross is not a place for casting lots, but for worship and gratitude. It is time for us to cherish the old rugged cross once more. Even more important, it is vital that we love the One who died on that cross for us --- remembering that He is no longer on the cross. He is alive. He will soon return.

It is time we quit playing games at the foot of the cross. Instead, we need to kneel at the cross.