And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.
God in the Person of Jesus Christ came to earth and was born into His own creation so that all who believe in His finished work on Calvary’s cross, might be forgiven…and have eternal life. The Father’s offer of salvation is open to whosoever will come as a free gift of grace. But, discipleship sets out some very rigorous requirements…for when it comes to true discipleship, Jesus is more concerned with quality of character and a heart that is focused on Him, rather than quantity in numbers. Salvation means coming to Christ’s cross for forgiveness of sin and life everlasting, which is open to all. However, discipleship means carrying one’s own cross and dying to self as we progress through our Christian life…in submission to the Holy Spirit. Many are called to come unto Him and find rest for their soul…and many respond and are saved by grace through faith. But, only a few are chosen to follow in the difficult and painful path of discipleship. Many come to Him for the salvation of their soul but few come after Him in meekness of spirit. Few are prepared to take up their own cross and follow Him in humble obedience to His word and willing submission to His will. Redemption requires us to believe on the Person and Work of the Lord Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of our sins and by grace through faith in Him we are born from above…but that is only the starting point. Christ also wants faithful disciples, who are humble of heart and who will give up all for His names sake. So He seeks men and women who are willing to pay a price, by taking up their cross and following Him no matter what it costs. And so we read: whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. The older Paul became the more he longed to know Christ in an increasingly intimate and personal way. He not only longed to know Him in the power of His resurrection but also to share with Him in His sufferings…and to be continuously transformed by His death. May we, like Paul, desire with our whole being to be a living sacrifice, where we die to self and live for Christ, so that we may become true disciples, who willingly and obediently take up our cross and follow Him.
Spiritual Steve 