On this wonderful Wednesday (wonderful no matter what we face because our Lord has given us another day and He has work for us to do...that's why we are still here! )
This chapter once again is filled with so many great truths.. so hard to pick one!! OK...
I'm focusing on Luke 9:23 from our read a Chapter of Luke a day...
And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. – Luke 9:23 (ESV)
Luke 9:22 is a turning point in Jesus' instruction for His disciples. From then on he began teaching clearly and specifically what they could expect, so that they would not be surprised when it happened , He explained that he would not now be the conquering Messiah because he first had to suffer, die and rise again, But one day he would return in great glory to set up his eternal kingdom.
Imagine that you are living in first century Israel. The Roman Empire is in control of the area, and a means of torture and execution used is crucifixion. The cross was seen as an instrument of torture and death, and was highly feared. Then out of nowhere you hear Jesus say “Take up your cross and follow me.” It was a frightening proposition, because Jesus is asking us to deny ourselves. In other words, Christ is asking us to become disciples.
In our culture the cross is something cool. It is on T-shirts, and worn as jewelry, but in ancient times it was feared. The early Christians died for what the cross had come to mean. They died because they were followers of Christ. They denied themselves to follow Christ at all costs; they took up their cross daily, and sometimes literally. Are we saying that we are following Christ, but our lives are showing little evidence of it? We may be leaving our cross at home a little too often. If we desire to change our cities, churches, and world then that cross needs to be hoisted over our shoulders all the time. Christ must be who we are looking to, and we must put our wants a distant second. We must become better disciples who help make other disciples.
To take up our cross is a daily endeavor that must be repeated. Every day we are telling Christ to take the lead and we will follow. This may lead to something that is uncomfortable like being a pastor, missionary, or simply showing love to the neighbor who never pulls the weeds. The words of Christ in today’s verse apply to all of us in some way. What cross are we baring?
As you pray about today’s passage I want you to know something else vitally important. It is ok to ask for his help.
After all that is exactly what the disciples asked of Christ in Luke 17:5. TAKE UP YOUR CROSS!!! That is the Lord’s command for all of us. God bless you!
Lord Jesus help me to be obedient to your words in today’s verse. Show me the way I should go and help me to trust you with everything.
NOW MY FRIENDS, IF YOU AGREE, CAN I HAVE AN AMEN!!!
Please share any insights you have!
