The theme for believers to cross over isn't new and it is mandated by God.
We can track its origins in the garden of Eden all the way to the gospels, and it is still actively being carried out in our modern world.
Garden of Eden
After God created Adam, He said : "...fill the earth and subdue it..."
Man although having the mandate for dominion over all the earth and its creature had to first fill it and thereafter subdue it. The physical boundaries of the garden were meant to be stretched into the dark void places of the earth, as mankind multiplies on earth.
We see the devil himself opposing the plans and the purposes of God.
But note here that Mankind were not created to stay within the garden but were supposed to bring the garden out.
Moses and the Israelites
The oppressed Israelites lived in despair and hardship. They cried out to God who sent them Moses, the great deliverer. Moses backed by God delivered powerful signs and wonders resulting in the Pharoah finally agreeing to let them go, only to change his mind later and sent the army after them. The expectations of the Israelties were crushed when the all powerful Moses led them to the dead end. The need to cross over was clear. And God led the way, parting the Red Sea for their safe passage through, on the start of the journey towards the promised land where God has promised their forefathers. They would not have been delivered if they had not cross over with the pursuing threat behind them.
40 years later, When they finally reached the edges of the promised land. They had to make the choice. Cross over to the other side, subdue the enemies inhabiting the lands and see that God would keep His words with their forefathers or perish in the desert.
They crossed over inspite of the opposition that would come their way.
Jesus
We must not forget the most important Man who ever walked the earth had first crossed over to our world. He had shown the world how to live right, without sin.
Phil 2:7 Tells us that He had put aside His divine privileges and crossed over to our world, and remained faithful even to the point of death.
Opposition/ Problems/ Limitations are always associated with crossing over.
In Mark 4, Jesus was crossing over on a boat with His disciples to the demon possessed man who lived in the graveyards. He was sternly asleep when they had met the opposition- the great windstorm. He calmed the seas and asked His disciples why they were fearful and of little faith. The storm didn't bothered Him because He knew the disciples could have done likewise should they choose to exercise their faith. There are some battles God would allow in our life for us so that we may arise and grow.
In Mark 5, when He crossed over again, He raise a dead girl and healed a women.
In Mark 6, they departed again in a boat and crossed over to a deserted place and were followed by a great multitude. They met a great problem as they were short of food to feed the followers. God supernaturally provided, with 5 loaves and 2 fish. In the greatest problem, often lies the greatest breakthrough this world has ever seen.
Afterwhich They crossed over without Jesus. And Jesus came to them, bending the laws of nature, walking on water. No amount of physical limitation could stop Jesus from the will of God. They crossed safely to preach and heal the multitude of sick and lost. And as many who touched Jesus, were made whole.
The Great Commision
"Go into all the world and preach the gospel..."
"Go therefore make disciples of all the nations..."
Fulfilling the great Commision requires believers to selflessly cross over. We pattern after Jesus and cross over into the hurt and dying world bringing to them hope with the Good News. It is in the core of our fundamentals.
The Apostles
Armed with the Good News at hand, the early church Apostles revolutionized the earth beinging the Gospel and spreading them like wild fire on this earth.
There wouldn't have a global reach if they won't willing to crossing over into the world.
The concept of "Cross Over" is therefore not new to every believer. The message we bring is sacred but the packaging is not. Our Creator is the Lord of new things. In order for us to fulfil the mission to go into all the world, we must first speak their language.
Martin Luther had translated the Holy Scripture (from only Latin) into Native languages of the people which created a revolution for Christ. Now people could gain access to God through His Word freely.
The message is sacred, the packaging is not.
We must guard ourselves against being critical about every new things that God is doing. And remember to test every word and every good works if its from God before we cast our judgment.
Let's cross over!
