THE CROSS OF CHRIST

"The preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved, it is the power of God" -- 1 Corinthians 1:18

Devotion 12 of 13

OUR IDENTITY WITH THE CROSS

"And he who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me" (Matt 10:38 RSV). "And he said to all, "If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me" (Luke 9:23 RSV). "Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me, cannot be my disciple" (Luke 14:27 RSV).

A requirement

Self crucifixion is a requirement of discipleship. This is a condition where personal preferences become subordinate to the will of God. Self denial involves a refusal to allow the sinful nature, or "the flesh," to dominate us. It is crucified with Christ, and is unworthy to dictate the course of our lives.

Notice the nature of Christ's words. The individual who does NOT take up his cross and follow Christ is NOT worthy of Christ. Such a person is not worthy, or qualified to be with Christ. This, of course, introduces a different way of thinking–one that is not common among professing believers. The word translated "worthy" comes from a word meaning "deserving or suitable, or entitled to." The very thought is most challenging! The previous verse (Matt 10:37) refers to being unworthy two times. There, Jesus cites loving father, mother, son, or daughter more than Him as constituting one "unworthy" of Him. Try as you may, you will not be able to find a blessing in such unworthiness. It is a disqualifying characteristic.

Jesus said if a person wanted to follow Him, gaining the benefits related to being with Him, self must be denied, and ones cross taken up every day. That is a necessity, not a mere suggestion. The expression "his cross" refers to the personal repercussions of coming to Christ. It involves the rejection of the world, its oppression, and the contradiction of our peers. If a person is not willing to bear up under the impact of personal faith, he will be excluded from Divine fellowship.

Jesus also affirmed the individual refusing to carry his cross ad follow after Him could not be His disciple. He could NOT be! That is, there is no provision in Christ Jesus for an easy path where one is relieved of the reactions of the world. And what does it mean to be Christ's "disciple?" A disciple is a learner, or a pupil. The idea is that of a spiritual apprentice, being taught by Jesus for employment in the Lord's vineyard. How will it fare for the person who does not pick up his cross and carry it very day, following after Jesus? What about the individual who compromises with the world to relieve the pressure brought to bear upon him because of his faith? The answer is straightforward and without any ambiguity. Jesus will not teach such a person! They will not be "taught by Him the truth as it is in Jesus" (Eph 4:20-21). They will face the challenges of learning on their own, which means they will remain in spiritual ignorance.

Perhaps this accounts for the miserable level of "spiritual understanding" (Col 1:9-10) that is found in altogether too many Christians. It is directly traceable to their refusal to take up their cross and follow Christ. For a person to be taught and led by Jesus apart from cross bearing is just as impossible as Jesus saving us independently of His cross. It simply cannot be done.

Those who deny themselves enter into the spirit of Christ's prayer, "Father . . . yet not my will, but yours be done" (Luke 22:42). When contrary voices are heard, the real followers reject them, stopping their ears to their prattling. When they suffer for righteousness' sake, they choose to be righteous anyway. When their friends reject them because they have chosen to follow Jesus, they follow him anyway. When their faith incurs hardship and even opposition, they believe anyway, living by faith.

What of you, dear reader? Are you carrying your cross and following Jesus? Are you refusing to be distracted from your faith and commitment to Jesus? If so, you ARE His disciple, and He WILL teach you!

PRAYER POINT: Father, I thank You for speaking so candidly about the matter of cross bearing. In the name of Christ I ask for grace to carry my cross as I really desire, and thereby bring glory to You and enjoy the personal teaching of Your Son.

-- Tomorrow: CONCLUSION –
– Thursday: New Series, GOD IS LIGHT --