Then He said to them all, “If anyone wants to come with Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” — Luke 9:23 (HCSB)
Taking up a cross has a much different meaning today, than in Jesus’ time on earth. In Jesus time it meant you’re on your way to a torturous death. It is a bit of a warning, following Jesus means you won’t be living for yourself anymore, it means you’ll die to your self, and follow Christ. Regardless of the circumstances, regardless of the pain, the humiliation — carry your cross, go take it to Calvary, where Jesus conquered death, and was raised to his proper position of Lord of all.
Do I do that?
Isn’t it interesting that this is another one of those “daily” things that we’re supposed to do. Hmmm….wonder if there’s any conncection between praying “Give us THIS DAY our daily bread” and “Take up your cross DAILY.”
Just something to ponder.