When I read about the crucifixion I shudder at the suffering...the agony...the pain...the loss. Every moment, every aspect of Christ's ordeal during the crucifixion as well as the hours leading up to it are horrific. Why then would Paul so boldly proclaim that he has been "crucified with Christ"? What possible reason would he have for desiring to identify with this part of the life of Jesus? I can understand the miracles...sight restored...hearing impairment in repairment...dead men now walking...again. That kind of thing I can readily relate to. But this is something different...something ironic...something so ugly yet somehow so beautiful... unreasonable yet irresistible...something I must do, but cannot do on my own. It's depths can't be fathomed from the human side of reason, yet I want to make it my life statement. To be crucified with Him so that He can live His life through me...as husband...father...pastor...friend. So the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me. (Galatians2:20). T.W. Hunt says of the crucifixion that it is "holiness and love working together to complete the mightiest work of all eternity." To be crucified with Him beckons deep within my soul. It's a daily call to take up the cross and follow Him. I will answer with a resounding "Yes, Lord". Where else would I go? He holds the words of eternal life.