-October 16, 2024-
Good morning beloved, happy Wednesday,
“And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me.”
(Matthew 10:39).
In part one of our study, we considered that we should love Jesus more than anyone or anything else. As much as we love father, mother, sister, or brother it cannot compare to our love for Christ. The love of Christ enables us to love others as ourselves.
Today, we will look at our walk with Christ. Jesus said, “and he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me.” There are three questions we should ask ourselves: what is our cross? How do we take it? And how do we follow Christ daily?
• What is our cross? – The cross is a symbol of death. It represents our death to sin and this world. It also demonstrates our willingness to suffer for Christ, enduring whatever He allows in our lives, for He has a purpose for everything. Our cross may be spiritual, physical, emotional, mental, social, material, or financial. Our cross is tailored specifically for each of us.
• How do we take it? – No one can take your cross for you, you must take it and bear yourself. We must make the decision daily to take it up. It involves surrender, submission, and sacrifice for the cause of Christ. We need to stand for the Lord Jesus. He bore the cross for us, can we not bear our cross for Him? Jesus said in Luke 9:62, “No one having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”
• How do we follow Christ? – Jesus called His disciples with two short simple words: “Follow Me.” He didn’t call them to follow just a religion but a personal relationship with Himself. Following Christ means forsaking all to live for Him and serve Him. Yesterday I drove up this pottery shop that has many statues outdoors. It is very close to the church. I was struck by seeing a huge statue of Buddha in front. Buddha is dead and his bones are in the ground, but Jesus Christ rose from the dead and lives forever. We follow and serve a living Savior!
Let us make the choice today to take up our cross and follow Jesus. It will not be easy, but it is the best way of life both for now and eternity. We will then be worthy disciples. Have a blessed day. Stay safe and healthy.
Our cross is heavy but our burden is light, when following Jesus by day and by night.
Dean
Dean Allen's Daily Devotional 