Yet all these, though they were commended for their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better so that they would not, apart from us, be made perfect. Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 11: 39-12: 2, NRSV.
Loving LORD, we are blessed by the privilege of studying Your holy Word. Please be near to us and teach us. In the name of Jesus Christ we humbly pray. Amen.
Yesterday we dealt with verse 37 of Matthew 10. Today we will continue with verses 38 and 39. It was very encouraging to see that all tension does not have to end in rupture. Some can actually cause growth, which is really the goal of our heavenly Father for His children and the Community of Faith, as a whole. Continuing with the thought from yesterday, we read the following: “and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” What does it really mean to take up one’s cross and follow Jesus? Have we sat down and carefully thought about it? Would we still want to be followers of the lowly Nazarene if we understood the real meaning of taking up our cross and following Him?
A cross is heavy (Matthew 27: 32). Do I become weary in doing what is right (Galatians 6: 2, 9)? It is an instrument of death (Philippians 2: 8). Am I willing to allow the old nature of sin to die, so that Christ might live His sinless life in me (Galatians 2: 20)? Those who are declared guilty are nailed to the cross (Luke 23: 32). Is it more important to me to be right, or to appear right (Matthew 5: 11, 12; 1 Peter 4: 14-16)? It is an instrument that carries the stigma of a curse (Deuteronomy 21: 23). Am I willing, like my Savior, to bless them that curse me (Luke 6: 28; Luke 23: 34; Acts 7: 59, 60)? Death on a cross was lengthy, painful, and most uncomfortable, to the point where they would actually take measures to accelerate the death process (John 19: 31). Are you willing to bear the night of suffering, for the sake of Christ (Psalm 30: 5)?
As a disciple, you may have to bear a cross. Do you still want to follow the Savior? When those that followed Jesus thought that He was going to declare Himself king and deliver them from Roman bondage, He had much more than twelve disciples. When His teaching became too “hard” to bear, many abandoned Him (John 6: 60-66). Why am I following Jesus? Is it because of love? If there were no prestige in wearing the title of Christian, would I still want to be identified with the Savior? If there were no heaven awaiting me at the end of my journey, would I still follow the Christ? If there were no fear of hell, would there still be a yearning for heaven? Sometimes it helps, to look at these scenarios, and ask these questions. It is like conducting an inventory of the soul. It serves as a spiritual reality check. What you discover could help you on your journey to eternal life.
“Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” How willing are you and I to give up our plans for our life, in order to do what we know Jesus is asking us to do? Perhaps I see myself much more successful in a certain career, but deep down I know that the Savior is calling me to do something quite different. Am I willing to give up (lose) my vision of my life, for Christ’s sake? What about a life partner, “Lord, I have been patiently waiting on You to find somebody for me to spend the rest of my life with; but time is running out. I will pick somebody and bring him/her to You for Your blessing. Then You and I can work on him/her.” Do I really believe that God has my best interest at heart, and am I willing to wait on Him? Or, am I trying to force Him to see things my way? Remember your way and mine, represent a loss (Genesis 16: 1-5; 21: 9-14). How tragic! The loss sustained may not only affect you, now, but the ripples created, could affect generations, for many years to come!
The wonderful news is that Jesus will never allow you to bear your cross alone (1 Corinthians 10: 13)! “Think about these things” (Philippians 4: 8).