TAKE UP YOUR CROSS
Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it.
Imagine that we are living in first-century Israel. The Roman Empire has control of the area, and their means of torture and execution are by crucifixion. Back in those times, the cross was seen as an instrument of torture and death and was highly feared by the people. Then when they heard Jesus say, “Take up your cross and follow me.” It was a very frightening proposition because Jesus is asking us to deny ourselves. In other words, Jesus is asking us to become disciples.
“Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it.” (Luke 9:23-24)
In our culture today, the cross is something cool. It is on shirts, bumper stickers, and worn as jewelry, but in ancient times it was feared. The early Believers died for what the cross had come to mean. They died because they were followers of Jesus. They denied themselves to follow Jesus at all costs; they took up their cross daily, and sometimes literally.
We are leaving our cross at home a little too often. If we really want to change our cities, communities, countries, and world, then that cross needs to be carried over our shoulders all the time. Jesus must be first in our lives all of the time. Not when it is convenient. Not when it feels good. We all must become better disciples who help make other disciples.
“And the apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith.”” (Luke 17:5)
To take up our cross is a daily endeavor that must be repeated. Every day we need to tell Jesus to take the lead in our lives, and we will follow His lead. We might have to do things that make us feel uncomfortable, like becoming a pastor, missionary, or something simple like showing love to the neighbor who never smiles. The words of Jesus in today’s Bible verses apply to all of us in one way or another.
Will you answer the call to take up your cross and spread the Gospel?
As you pray about today’s devotional, we want you to know something else vitally important. It is ok to ask for God's help. After all, that is exactly what the disciples asked of Jesus. Take up your cross. That is the Lord’s command for all of us.
Is your life showing evidence of following Jesus?
Heavenly Father, I am a disciple with a heart that submits to Your lead. Your Word says whoever comes after You, let him deny himself, take up his cross and follow You. I take my stand and follow You, being obedient to Your Word. Obedience to Your Word has such rewards. Nothing compares to the deep joy and peace, knowing I please You. All You ask is that I believe You and Your Word and act upon it. I will follow You. I will help make other disciples. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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Jesus Must Be First In Our Lives All Of The Time. Not When It Is Convenient. Not When It Feels Good. We All Must Become Better Disciples Who Help Make Other Disciples.
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