Matthew 16: 24 - 27

The old rugged cross: The symbol of suffering and shame. The place where Jesus died.

But it is more than just the place where Jesus died. It is more than a symbol. It is more than just something we wear, or hang on the wall. The cross IS the shame, indignity and injustice that Christ suffered. And that is what we are called to also suffer when it says “take up your cross” (v. 24).

It should come as no surprise to us when we suffer for the sake of Christ. Being a Christian is not easy. It shouldn’t be. The devil and all of his angels are constantly working against us to bring misfortune and sorrow.

Not only should we expect suffering, we should embrace it, if it is suffering for Christ’s sake. I didn’t say to go look for it, but I do think we should expect it. Sufferings benefit us. They further and deepen our faith and understanding. (Genesis 50: 20)

Knowing how painful death on a cross is, it is scary to think of having to even “carry” one. But God helps us carry it. We are comforted by the very sufferings and death that Christ endured on the cross. Jesus helps us bear the burden of our cross. The word “follow” in v. 24 in Greek means to accompany or literally to be in the same way with. That means that God goes with us as we carry our cross and follow him.

As sadistic as it sounds, we should not only embrace our cross, but thank God for it. Some of the 12 disciples of Jesus were killed by crucifixion. Consider the words of Andrew when he was threatened to be crucified:

"I would not have preached the honor and glory of the cross if I feared death on the cross.”

And here is what he said when he was lead to the cross:

"Oh cross, most welcome and longed for! With a willing mind, joyfully and desirously, I come to you, being the scholar of Him which did hang on you, because I have always been your lover and yearn to embrace you" from Foxe’s Book of Martyrs

Wow. I think you’ll know how and what to pray today…