Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. Matthew 16:24-25 NIV
For much of the journey, Jesus carried his own cross on the road to Calvary. Each step took him closer to laying down his life for you and I. At any time he could have called ten thousand angels to rescue him, but he loved us enough to deny himself and keep on walking. If we want to be his disciple, we must do the same for him.
We each carry our own cross; yours doesn’t look like mine. Perhaps yours comes with an unwanted diagnosis, a life sentence, an addiction, poverty or wealth. Losing your life for Christ may mean moving to another country, changing jobs, choosing new friends, entering a rehab, running for office, ending a relationship, volunteering, helping others or a whole list of other possibilities. The only thing we know for sure is that the cross is a place of death. As Jesus remained silent, with a myriad of angels standing by, he demonstrated for us complete surrender, total abandonment of his own control.
Paul’s declaration must be true of every disciple.
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20 NIV
Jesus said:
Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me. John 12:23-26 NIV
As we die to ourselves and live the life God leads us to live, he uses us to impact others. Our lives take on new purpose and we get to be where Jesus is, focusing on the things that touch his heart! There is no greater joy!