HIS WORDS

“Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, ‘One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.’” Mark 10:21

Take Up the Cross

HIS EXAMPLE TO US

Jesus literally took up the Cross at Calvary to give us eternal salvation.

MY STORY

I’ve walked with the Lord for a number of years, and yet it seems every time I hear or read the words “take up the cross” I wonder what it really means. So off to blueletterbible.org I go…

Jesus is asking us to figuratively do what He literally did. He literally carried the Cross on which He would be crucified, and the key is that He carried it willingly for the joy set before Him (Hebrews 12:2). It became the proverbial expression usually used by those who, on behalf of God’s cause, do not hesitate cheerfully and confidently to bear persecutions, troubles, distresses — thus recalling the fate of Christ and the spirit in which He encountered it.

As the Lord led me to the above passage in the wee hours of the morning, I was struck by the fact that Jesus loved him. He longed for him, as He longs for us, to give up whatever it is we are holding as having greater value than Him, because He always has something better in mind.

I haven’t faced any real persecution yet as a Christian, but I’ve had my share of trouble and distress. Sometimes I’ve faced it cheerfully (joyfully, lighthearted, in good spirits) and manfully (bravely, courageously, resolutely), realizing there is nothing I’ll be called to bear that Christ hasn’t already borne before me. When I focus on Him I truly can do all things in His strength (Philippians 4:13).

Honestly, though, there are times when I’m anything but joyful or brave. The young man’s response breaks my heart: “But he was sad at this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions” (Mark 10:22). How many times have I walked away from what God’s calling me to do, counting the cost too great in the here and now, not looking to the future and what’s really important? What opportunities have I missed to share the gospel, to further His kingdom—walking away when it got too hard or felt too uncomfortable?

MY RESPONSE

Jesus literally went to the Cross for my salvation. He went with a joy for what was beyond the moment; He went because He loved me. When He calls me to walk through persecution, trouble or distress, I’ll call on His strength and His Spirit to help me take up the cross and do the same. I’ve found when I follow Him, though I may not know what the road looks like, or understand the terrain, I never get lost.

MY PRAYER
“Jesus, thank You for taking up the Cross on our behalf; help us do the same in the areas You call us to. Amen.”