This morning, in between consciousness and dreams I began to ponder about Jesus carrying his cross to his crucifixion. We see in Matthew 27:31-33, Luke 23:26-32 and John 19:16-18 the picture of Jesus carrying his cross to be crucified. He was not strong enough to bear it alone and was helped by Simon from Cyrene.
As Christians, we are called to be Christ like and live as he did ( 1 John 2:6 Whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.)
We also see Jesus say to his disciples in Luke 9:23 Then he said to them all: "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.
I believe Jesus calling us, his disciples to take up our cross daily and follow him. This represents us overcoming sin, addictions or anything that we struggle with throughout our walk with God. I also noticed he didn't say overcome, leave behind, forget. But rather take up our cross. We also know that the cross represents sin. You may not be delivered from that addiction or sin. It may be extremely difficult to avoid and overcome and we may have to make a choice daily to walk in the light and not in the darkness.
I don't want this word to intimidate, but to encourage Christians to live above sin. It won't always be smooth sailing. 1 Peter 2:21 To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.
Because Christ suffered, we also must suffer. The most encouraging aspect of Jesus carrying his cross was he was not able to do it alone. If our savior was not strong enough by his manly flesh to carry his cross himself, he would never expect us to carry our cross alone. He has said he will never leave us or forsake us. He has given us his word, his holy spirit and hopefully strong Christian friends to help overcome. Stop trying to carry your cross yourself, whether it be for pride, or embarrassment and remember that Jesus needed help carrying his cross.
God wants Christians to be over comers just as he overcame. There are countless scriptures on overcoming. The Christian walk of faith is not for the faint of heart. But for those that can overcome persecution, sin, trials and up-hill battles.
I believe it pleases Jesus to see his disciples take up that thing we struggle with daily and follow him regardless of the discomfort and pain we have to deal.
Pray that Jesus would help you overcome and take up your cross daily. Also pray for God to put people in your life that can help you carry your cross or reveal to you whom you should seek counselling from.
God bless.
