"If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me....And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Luke 9:23, Matthew 10:38
I agree with this post on DesiringGod.com that states that Holy Week is the most important week in all of history. While Holy Week and Easter have passed, I do want to read to completion John Piper's 50-day devotional Fifty Reasons Why Jesus Came to Die. Today I read reason #38: To Create a Band of Crucified Followers. The devotion opens by emphasizing how during His last days, Jesus was focused on His God-given mission - to die on the cross. Nothing could stop this plan - not even Herod. When He was arrested Jesus reminded the disciples that this was always part of the plan - fulfilling prophecy from long ago (Old Testament). See also Luke 9:51, 13:32, and Matthew 26:56. As the devotion continues to unfold, it provides the image of the road to Calvary and how Jesus had to carry his own cross on this road as He was led to His death. We are then referred to Luke 9:23, Matthew 10:38, and Romans 6:11 as the devotion pivots from Christ's death to Christ's command we must also pick up our own cross and follow Him, as our old selves must die and we must be born again. Piper describes the verse in Matthew as having a "terrifying effect" as it specifically shares that if we don't pick up our own cross and follow Him - denying ourselves - we are not worthy of Jesus. Pointing to Romans 6:11, the devotion then moves to describe this death [leading to rebirth] we must experience: "the old self-determining, self-absorbed me must be crucified. I must every day reckon myself dead to sin and alive to God. This is the path of life[.]" The devotion concludes by pointing to Hebrews 13:12-13 and Revelation 12:11 as these verses share how believers are called to follow Jesus's example of "bearing the reproach" He endured, even if that means to the point of death and martyrdom. A sobering devotion this morning indeed....yet this is what Jesus calls us to do when He calls us to follow Him. Our life will not be easy, yet He will be with us every step of the way and He is saving a place in Heaven for us - rejoice!
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My Prayer: Father God, You are an incredible God who willingly went to the cross, suffering and dying for me so that I could have life now....and for eternity in Heaven with You. I am not deserving of my salvation. My sin - including harshness towards others - is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from this sin towards You. Help me love with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
