The Shortened Cross

-May 18, 2025-

Good morning, happy Lord’s Day,

“Then said to them, ‘If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, take up His cross daily, and follow Me.’”

(Luke 9:23).

Jesus suffered and died on the cross; the instrument of death brought us life. It has been called the “The Old Rugged Cross.”

As believers we are called on to take up our cross and follow Christ. C.H. Spurgeon once said, “There are no crown-wearers in heaven who were not cross-bearers here below.” Are we willing to take up our cross daily?

Sometimes our crosses seem too heavy to bear, but God gives us grace. Our cross is a cross of suffering, pain, sorrow, and affliction. Paul had his thorn in the flesh and bore hardship, privation, and persecution.

I have a plaque in my home called, “The Shortened Cross,” which has the following words: “A pilgrim was making his way to the Promised Land. He was carrying his Master’s cross, a burden he cheerfully accepted. Becoming weary, the pilgrim paused to rest. As he basked in the sunlight, he watched a woodsman nearby hew a tree in the forest. ‘Good friend,’ called the pilgrim, may I use your axe to shorten my cross? As I journey, it grows heavier.’ ‘Indeed,’ cried the woodsman, and without hesitation, he obliged.

The pilgrim travelled on, making much progress. The cross was shorter now, and his burden lighter. In no time at all, the Promised Land was in sight. Drawing near, he saw that a deep gulf separated him from the glories beyond. He would use the cross to span the divide.

Though he struggled mightily to span the divide with the cross, it fell short by the very amount he had removed. Suddenly, with tears streaming down his face, he awoke; it had been a dream. Clutching the cross to his breast, the pilgrim pressed on. The cross was just as heavy, but its burden lighter.”

Our cross may seem too heavy for us, but it is just the right size and weight for us. Have a blessed day bearing your cross. Stay safe and healthy.

A different cross would never due, for the one you bear is just for you.

Dean