By Paul Chappell
Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come
after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For
whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life
for my sake shall find it. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the
whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for
his soul?
Matthew 16:24-26
For nearly four hundred years, the people of Oberammergau in Bavaria
have been putting on a “Passion Play” depicting the events of the last week of
the life of Christ. They began the performances after the village was spared from
the bubonic plague in the early 1600s. The story is told that an American
visitor watching the drama unfold sprang into action when the actor portraying
Jesus fell while carrying the cross toward the crucifixion scene.
The tourist was caught up in the emotion of the moment and
wanted to lift the cross from the back of “Jesus.” Expecting it to be a prop,
he reached down with one hand but found that he could not move the heavy wooden
cross. After the play was over, he met with the actor who told him, “I found
that I cannot look like Christ without carrying a real cross.”
In another sense, this is true for every one of us. There
are no light crosses for the Christian who wishes to truly follow Jesus Christ.
The cross is more than just a symbol of Christianity. It is a literal
expression of what Jesus demands from those who would follow in His steps.
There is no successful model for selfish Christianity. Though there are many
selfish Christians, their refusal to take up the cross limits their ability to follow
Jesus. Obedience is costly, but so is the prize of hearing the words “well
done” when we stand before the Father.
Today's Rooted Principle:
Lay aside self today and take up the cross so that you can
truly walk in His steps.
No comments:
Post a Comment