A blog entry isn’t enough space to fill all the things I want to say about the following, and I will more than likely post a commentary about this verse in the near future. In the meantime here are some of the home truths I learnt and was reminded of today;
23 Then he said to them all: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.
(NIV)
A hard verse to stomach perhaps? Jumped out at me! Jesus foretells his own death, then invites His disciples (and us) to pick up their own crosses and follow Him. I really wasnt all together what picking up your own cross meant so I did some digging around.
From what I have read, in a nutshell, taking up your cross is to lead your life as Jesus would live. We should therefore not indulge in our selfish desires, thinking only of our own gain, but live a selfless life just as Jesus led. This is in no way easy, and we can face many oppositions, many conflicting feelings, attacks and stumbling blocks that will try to steer us off the right path.
To gain life, you need to loose it! That means putting your old life behind you! Turning 180 degrees, so our backs are to it, and begin walking with Jesus. Only then will we begin to experience real life! A life that is given completely and utterly is a life that is guaranteed to succeed! After all with God in the driving seat we can lean on Him and trust his direction.
When I say guaranteed to succeed, I don’t mean promotions at work, and riches beyond your wildest dreams, but treasures in heaven, spiritual gifts, blessings, a quenched thirst, a fulfilled life. The persecution you could receive for living for the Lord is but a small price to pay for the rewards we will get from our Saviour. The reward of life.
An earthly lifetime of truth, and an eternal life with Him.