Luke 9:23-24 (ESV)
23 And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me,
let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. 24 For whoever
would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will
save it.
As creatures of comfort we try to avoid pain whenever
possible—physically and emotionally. Even the most avid adrenaline junkie has
soft spots. We cling to what’s secure, safe and feels good in our circumstances
and relationships, naturally seeking to protect ourselves. A lot of times,
that’s a good thing. We were designed to value life and preserve ourselves. On
the other hand if we hold ourselves too tightly, we keep ourselves from
following God with our whole hearts.
God often asks us to get out of our comfort spots and set
ourselves aside for his glory. He wants us to trust him, but we can only do
that when we let go and obey. More than likely, Simon had other things to do
that day rather than get personally involved in Jesus’ scandalous crucifixion.
His own plans and agenda where interrupted when he was given an order to carry
the bloody cross for Jesus. It was hard work, bloody, and humiliating, but he
carried the cross for Christ and walked with him in his most difficult hours.
In doing so, he became part of the greatest story to go down in history.
What a powerful example of what Jesus had taught not long
before. Even more significant is that what Simon was forced to do, Jesus did
willingly. He subjected himself to public mockery, severe beatings, and one of
the most horrific deaths the world has ever come up with. As the Son of God, he
didn’t have to endure anything; he wasn’t a prisoner of the Roman soldiers any
more than he allowed himself to be. Even in those last excruciating hours
nailed to the cross, he could have opted out. But Jesus understood his
suffering was not about him; it was the only way to restore sinners like you
and me to our loving heavenly Father.
God doesn’t force us to follow him either. He doesn’t put
the cross on us, but asks us to pick it up willingly. Our decision will cost us
something; there’s heavy lifting, rejection, and personal interruptions.
Actually, it will cost us everything. The only way to get the life we work so
hard to protect is to give it back to God and trust him to take care of it.
Do we have it in us to carry the cross with Jesus like
Simon did? Do we have it in us to follow Jesus’ example and submit ourselves to
God even when it gets tough?
Dear Lord, we thank You for paying the debt of sin for
us. Help us be strong enough to carry the cross that is before us each day. In
the Name of Jesus, Amen.
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