Mark 8:34
“Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.”
Our lives are living billboards—signs and testimonies of Christ’s presence and a beautiful display of His lordship. Yet for this to happen, there must be a starting point.
In his classic book, The Cost of Discipleship, Dietrich Bonhoeffer states that by grace we are saved, and when grace is acted upon we’re brought into the family of God. But Bonhoeffer warns that though God’s grace may be free to us, it cost Him everything. Make no mistake, there is no such thing as cheap grace.
God Almighty saw your life and mine as lost, yet precious enough to rescue us from death, condemnation, and the eternal torments of hell. When you and I realize the unfathomable expense of our forgiveness, the magnitude of such a display of love is overwhelming. It brings us to a place of bowing both knee and heart in humble devotion, and following Jesus becomes our joy and delight.
Taking up your cross and following Jesus Christ means placing all things under His jurisdiction in absolute surrender to His will. What things is He asking you to surrender today—your hopes and dreams, ongoing frustrations, a relationship, or potential career path? Whatever it is, He knows what is best in every situation. I urge you to pray, “Lord, I know what I want to do. I know what I think I should do. But what would You have me do? How can I bring You glory and honor in this situation?”
At Calvary’s cross, God proved His great love for you. Now is the time to return His love—pick up your cross, and follow Jesus.
– Pastor Jack
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