“Take Up His Cross” Mark 8:34

“Take Up His Cross”
“And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross, and follow me. ” Mark 8:34

An aspect of following Christ we seldom think about is taking up the cross. To take up the cross means to be identified with the Lord Jesus Christ, Who laid down His life on Mount Calvary. It is opening up one’s self to opposition. The Romans didn’t crucify Jesus because He was a popular guy. The Jewish leaders hated Him and wanted nothing to do with Him. They opposed Him at every turn. The world will also oppose us if we are living for Him and doing His will. Taking up the cross is opening us to shame. The cross was not the way a nobleman died. It was the execution that was limited to the worst, most vile of criminals. The shame was part of the punishment. When we take up the cross, we are subject to shame and ridicule as well. The world will look down on us. They will not understand our desire to serve the Lord.

To take up the cross also means to be willing to suffer. Some have suggested that crucifixion was the most painful method of capital punishment used throughout the ages. That says nothing of the spiritual anguish the Lord Jesus Christ experienced, as He became sin for us and the Father turned His back on Him. At times, we may be called to suffer for Christ, as we take up the cross and follow Him. Take it up and follow Him! — P.F.

— P.F. Prepared by Roger Fulk, from the “Baptist Bread” November 29th, 2019 devotional by author Paul Frederick, Pastor, Cornerstone Baptist Church, Salem, IL . With permission from Tim Green, editor Baptist Bread.