Taking Up My Cross
"If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters - yes even his own life - he cannot be My disciple. And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow Me cannot be My disciple." Luke 14:26,27
Sounds a little harsh doesn't it? Shocking even? Christ gives us a statement who's message cannot be played down. Our love for Him must eclipse that of all our other relationships to the point where our love for our family and friends appears to be hatred. "Why?" you may ask. "Why on earth would I follow that?"
That's too much to ask. That's absolutely insane. How dare He ask that of me? What would make me want to do that?
"If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self? If anyone is ashamed of Me and My words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when He comes in His glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels." Luke 9:23-26
"So I don't get it still," you might say. "What's in this for me? Why should I face ridicule, persecution, and trials just for a threat like that?" Here's why:
"For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." Luke 14:11
Christ promises that in His return, those of us who faithfully took up our crosses daily and followed after Him will be honored by the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. I can only build myself up with words. Words ultimately prove to be empty and without value. Christ promises to build us up in His power.
Does daily taking up my cross and following Jesus mean that I do not enjoy this life. Not at all. I am more filled with life than most people I know. I have eternal springs of joy in my heart because of His love for me. I walk daily with the Ancient of Days, and I know that I enjoy this life more than the average man. I know that I am just passing through. I know that I am just biding my time here, doing God's will, until that day He decides to take me away from this place. So daily I take up my cross. And daily I follow hard after the Risen Lamb.
Today I pray:
Father, please invade this space. Please pour out Your Spirit into me and strip me down until there is nothing left but You. Only then will I be satisfied - being consumed by Your love. Father please give me strength and vision to keep my eyes on you and the wisdom to notice the trivialities of this world. To you be all glory, majesty, power and praise now and forevermore.