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Silas Odanike
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THE TRAJECTORY OF LIFE ON THE CROSS Understanding the Short Left, the Short Right, and the Long Downward Path
Anchor Scriptures
Luke 23:33: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+23%3A33&version=KJV
Galatians 2:20: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians+2%3A20&version=KJV
Matthew 16:24: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+16%3A24&version=KJV
1 Corinthians 1:18: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+1%3A18&version=KJV
INTRODUCTION
The Cross is not just the instrument of Christ’s sacrifice — it is the divine map of a Christian’s life. Every dimension of the Cross carries prophetic meaning: the short left, the short right, and the long downward beam.
When you look at the Cross, you are not just looking at salvation; you are looking at your entire journey — from birth to death, and into eternity.
The trajectory of a believer’s life is aligned to the Cross itself.
1. THE SHORT LEFT ARM — OUR PAST
"The thief on the left railed at Him…" — Luke 23:39
The left side of the Cross is short because your past is limited. It represents:
- What happened behind you
- Your family background
- Your early beginnings
- Your former identity
- What you could not control
- Your old patterns
- The mistakes, weaknesses, and wounds you entered life with
The short left reminds us:
A. Your past is real, but not final
It is short because God never intended your past to have a long influence on your destiny.
B. Every believer is born into a world already broken
We all inherit:
- human limitations
- spiritual battles
- a nature needing redemption
C. The Cross shortens the power of your past
Once you come into Christ, the Cross cuts the influence of yesterday. Your history bows to His mercy.
Galatians 2:20 — “I am crucified with Christ…”
Your past is nailed permanently.
2. THE SHORT RIGHT ARM — OUR CHOICES
"But the thief on the right said: Lord, remember me…" — Luke 23:40–43
The right arm is also short — not because it is small, but because it represents the window of decisions every human must make in limited time.
The right side symbolizes:
- the moment of repentance
- Your obedience
- the power of choice
- the turning point of salvation
- Your spiritual posture
A. Every life has a limited opportunity to choose Christ
Your life is long, but your moment of destiny often comes in short flashes.
B. The right side teaches that salvation is immediate
One sentence — “Lord, remember me” — changed the thief’s eternal direction.
C. Your decisions determine your trajectory
Small choices → long consequences.
A short moment of obedience → a lifetime of alignment.
3. THE LONG DOWNWARD BEAM — THE JOURNEY OF LIFE
The long downward wood of the Cross represents your entire earthly journey after salvation.
It stretches from:
- birth
- to growth
- to calling
- to trials
- to aging
- to death
- and finally to eternity
It is long because:
A. Life is a process, not an event
Sanctification takes time.
Purpose unfolds gradually.
Character is sculpted over seasons.
B. Life will pull you downward into humility
The downward direction is prophetic:
- Christ lowered Himself
- We must descend to be lifted
- Your greatness begins in surrender
Philippians 2:8–9 — “He humbled Himself… therefore God highly exalted Him.”
C. The long beam teaches endurance
From birth to death, the believer walks with the imprint of the Cross:
- trials shape us
- losses deepen us
- victories mature us
- service strengthens us
- the Spirit renews us
The Cross becomes the backbone of our existence.
4. THE CENTER — WHERE CHRIST HANGS — OUR TRUE LIFE
Between the left (past), right (choices), and the long beam (journey), there is a center point.
This is where Jesus hung.
This is where the life of the believer is anchored.
A. Christ stands between your past and your future
The left thief (past)
The right thief (choice)
Christ (redemption)
Meaning: Your life cannot be interpreted correctly without Him.
B. Christ turns your trajectory upward
Though the beam points down, Christ makes your destiny rise.
C. Christ defines your identity
Your life is not what was behind you, beside you, or beneath you —
but Who is at the center of you.
5. THE MESSAGE OF THE CROSS FOR YOUR LIFE TRAJECTORY
1. Your past is short — don’t elongate it.
Let it go. Let the blood speak.
2. Your choice is short — don’t waste it.
Make decisions that align your destiny.
3. Your journey is long — don’t walk it without Christ.
Walk daily with Him.
Grow steadily in Him.
Finish well through Him.
CONCLUSION
The Cross is the map of your existence:
- Left: where you’re coming from (short).
- Right: decisions that shape your future (short).
- Downward beam: the full stretch of your earthly life (long).
- Center: Christ — the Author, Anchor, and Finisher of your story.
From birth to death, your life is inclined to the Cross.
From eternity to eternity, your destiny is held together by Christ.
ALTAR CALL
“Lord Jesus, stand at the center of my life. Redeem my past, guide my choices, and walk with me through my journey. I surrender all to You.”
PRAYER
Father, I thank You for aligning my life with the Cross.
Redeem my past by Your mercy.
Strengthen my choices by Your wisdom.
Guide my journey by Your Spirit.
Let the Cross remain the center and compass of my destiny.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
DECLARATIONS
Declare boldly:
- My past no longer controls me.
- My decisions are ordered by God.
- My journey is preserved by grace.
- Christ is the center of my life.
- My destiny is aligned to the Cross.
- I will finish well.
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“And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the firmament, and those who turn many to righteousness like the stars forever and ever.” — Daniel 12:3
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