Following Jesus - Pt 3

Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul? (Matthew 16:24-26 ESV). What in the world did Jesus mean when He instructed the disciples to “shoulder your cross”? That’s also the real question for us today. If we are going to be his disciples, we ought to know what that means for us. What cross do we have to carry? Have you ever heard the song that goes, “I beg your pardon? I never promised you a rose garden?” That’s the song that comes to mind when I read that phrase “take up his cross”. Faith is based on what God has promised to do. God has not promised all of us rose gardens here on earth. He has promised ultimate victory, but the road to Heaven is many times paved with tears. God uses those tears to stretch us and to prepare us for Heaven. When someone becomes a Christian, not only are they giving up their life for Christ’s life, but they are also taking on Christ’s life. That process will sometimes mean heartache. Jesus reminded us that people hated Him, so they will also hate us. Becoming a Christian does not mean that we will always win popularity contests. You should read some of the emails I receive everyday. Most of them are very encouraging, but sometimes I’ll get one from someone so nasty I can’t even let my wife read it. I have heard from many with gracious expressions of gratitude and wonderful testimonies of how such a brief message helped them through a difficult time in their lives. However, I have also been lightly chided for misspelled words and openly attacked for a stand I have taken. That’s quite the gambit of response! Following Christ is risky. The Gospel offends some people. Some people don’t like the challenge it represents to their philosophy or life choices. That is a part of shouldering your cross. If you are a Christian, some people are not going to approve of your beliefs. That shouldn’t surprise you. What should happen is that your resolve for Christ should grow through those times. You and I should recognize the privilege of carrying our cross and suffering for the cause of Christ. Remember that’s just a part of following Christ. And also remember that being on that path is far more desirable than any other! Trust him to take care of you, even in the midst of persecution!