The Cross – What Is The Cross?

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What is the cross to you? The cross is known as the symbolization of Christianity. Most churches have the cross either in the building or at the top of the building.

Many Christians wear crosses on their necklace, and some as bracelets to remind them of their faith.

Crosses have become so popular it has been reduced to a fashion statement, where not only Christians wear them, but anyone that thinks it looks cool without a thought. 

What Is The Cross?

To understand the cross, let’s look at some content in the bible.

To get from one place to another place there usually is a crossing that needs to be done.  

Moses led the Israelites to cross the Red Sea to get to the promised land.  

Joshua led the Israelites to cross the Jordan River as the waters parted.

There was a choice at the Red Sea and the Jordan River, either go back to what the Israelites were familiar with or be willing to trust God and cross the body of water no matter what the outcome may be.  

The crossing of the river and sea represented the choice of letting go what they knew and choosing to follow God.

The first time Jesus speaks on the cross was in Matthew 10:38.

If you refuse to take up your cross and follow me, you are not worthy of being mine.

The cross is about the willingness to endure whatever may come your way to follow God. It is a choice.

The Cross Can Be Costly

The cross will cost you the most costly thing you own, your life.  

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. – Matthew 16:24

Giving up your own way includes denying yourself, setting aside your own interest and putting God first. After that, you have to express the willingness to endure what may come, then you can follow Jesus.  

What may come can be losing your family, a friend, a job, a house, a car or perhaps dying because of your faith in Jesus.  It’s not something we think about to often.

There are many who are persecuted for their faith in God. They chose to follow God knowing it could cost their lives. Are you willing to lose your life for Jesus? This is the cross.

How Do I Carry My Cross?

I believe the church is at a point where we need to decide if we are going to pick up our cross and follow Jesus or continue to follow the patterns of the world. Following Jesus requires us to be willing to endure what people may say, think and also be ready to be hated.

Related Posts: Understanding God’s Timing | What’s My Purpose? – Why Am I Here?

You may be at a point in your personal life right now where you are not sure what is the right decision to make.  Well, you probably do know but are scared to move forward.

Let’s look at how Jesus carried his cross.

How To Walk In Faith With Your Cross

1) Prayer

Just before Jesus was betrayed by his friend, Judas, He went to the Garden of Gethsemane where He prayed.  

He walked away, about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed – Luke 22:41

While He was praying an angel came and strengthened Him. When we have to make any decision in our lives we should pray about it first and God will provide the strength we need to whatever may come our way. Jesus couldn’t have carried His cross without prayer.

2) Deny Your Will

“Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” – Luke 22:42

Your decision should be God’s will. Jesus submitted to what the Father had planned for Him to do. We also need to submit to God. Decide to willingly endure no matter what may come. This part can be very difficult. Some people might be angry or disappointed with what you need to do.    

3) Don’t Do It On Your Own

Along the way, they came across a man named Simon, who was from Cyrene, and the soldiers forced him to carry Jesus’ cross. – Matthew 27:32

Ask a friend to help you carry your cross. This can be done by asking a friend to pray with you and for you to help you to stay strong.  

4) Keep Your Eyes Off Yourself

A large crowd trailed behind, including many grief-stricken women. But Jesus turned and said to them, “Daughters of Jerusalem, don’t weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. – Luke 23:27-28

It’s easy to be consumed by the cross you have to carry, but instead, use this time to pray for others. Pray for those that may be affected by the outcome.

5) You Will Overcome

But very early on Sunday morning, the women went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. They found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance – Luke 24 1:2

Your cross may lead to death in many aspects of your life, but you will arise in God’s goodness. God wants to provide the best for you. Remember – a seed must die before a plant can grow.  

A few things to ponder on: Jesus carried His cross publicly while people jeered at him, someone helped him to carry His cross, He died on His cross, but rose in a garden.

Before you head off, check out my new Podcast Page for the latest episode from Three of A Kind.

God bless and take care.

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