Carry Your Cross – No Turning Back

Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul? For the Son of Man will come with His angels in the glory of His Father and will judge all people according to their deeds. Matthew 16:24-27

Jesus was on His journey to the Cross. After He had asked them “Who do you say that I am?” He continued to speak to His disciples at Caesarea Philippi encouraging them to not be selfish—but to take their cross. They knew about Roman crucifixion and that the condemned criminals had to carry their cross…or part of it…to the execution site. Carry that cross…no turning back. No selfishly changing your mind and doing things your own way. Give up your ways and do things Jesus’ way. Earlier He had said…

If you refuse to take up your cross and follow me, you are not worthy of being mine. Matthew 10:38.  

Can you take up your own cross daily…and do things in a way that would please Jesus?

Jesus talked with the Jewish leaders after He had healed a lame man on the Sabbath.

And I assure you that the time is coming, indeed it's here now, when the dead will hear my voice—the voice of the Son of God. And those who listen will live. The Father has life in Himself, and He has granted that same life-giving power to His Son. And He has givenHhim authority to judge everyone because He is the Son of Man. John 5:25-27

The Son of Man, Jesus, the Messiah, my Savior. He will judge everyone one day. Are you using your ears to listen? When you read God’s word…are you listening? Is there a sin that you need to give up? Is there a promise for you to claim…or a command to obey? Do I need to acknowledge that Jesus is my Savior?

I tell you the truth, everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, the Son of Man will also acknowledge in the presence of God's angels. But anyone who denies me here on earth will be denied before God's angels. Anyone who speaks against the Son of Man can be forgiven, but anyone who blasphemes the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven. Luke 12:8-10.

Prayer ~ Father, I thank you for giving us Your Son, Jesus Christ, to give His life for us—hanging there on the Cross. A sacrifice once for all. I am listening to Your voice…and I willingly and humbly take up my cross to follow Jesus. May all that I think, say and do bring glory and honor to Jesus…and to You.

Daily Bible Reading: March 29 – Joshua 22-24

© 2017 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

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