Take Up Your Cross

Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.”

Luke 9:23

It was one of those days. You know what I mean. Nothing seemed to be going right. I was irritated that certain situations weren’t progressing as fast as I wanted. How long is this going to take?

I told God, “I can’t take this anymore! I’m tired. Nothing is changing. I am done!”

Anybody been there? I definitely was not feeling that peace that passes understanding. Ladies, don’t you just love God? He didn’t tell me to stop whining. He didn’t say I wasn’t being a faithful follower. He gently reminded me that some things only come through the cross. Was I willing to take up my cross and follow Him?

God knew the words to say. I recently taught on the suffering Jesus endured on our behalf at calvary. John 18 and 19 describe it well.

Jesus was betrayed by his friend. He was arrested and bound on trumped up charges. He was rejected by the Jewish leaders, including the high priest. He was rejected by the Jewish people when they asked for Barabbas to be released rather than Jesus. He was slapped, beaten, and scourged.

Jesus was mocked and humiliated by Roman soldiers who arrayed him with a crown of thorns on his head and a purple robe around him. They spoke truth, though unaware, as they shouted, “Hail, King of the Jews (John 19:3)!” Pilate paraded Jesus, beaten and in this attire, in front of the crowd.

Jesus was unjustly sentenced to death. Agonizing crucifixion. He was forced to bear the weight of the cross upon his scourged back and shoulders as he carried his cross through the streets of Jerusalem. Finally Jesus was nailed to the cross and hung for hours until he died.

And I was complaining about the cross I was asked to bear? The peace in my heart promptly returned.

Jesus, thank you for putting my suffering in perspective.

Terri