DEVOTION – DAY 543

Matthew 10:38 “Taking Up The Cross”

Matthew 10:38 “Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me.”

The above verse is part of a body of teaching by Jesus to His disciples. Jesus told His disciples that He did not come to bring peace but a sword. But we know that Jesus is the Prince of Peace. So, what did Jesus mean in v34 when He told His disciples He came with a sword? It is true that Jesus Christ came to bring peace – peace between a believer and God, and peace among humans. But as a result of Christ’s presence, there is inevitable conflict. Conflict between Christ and the Devil, conflict between light and darkness, conflict between the Christians and non-Christians. This conflict can also sometimes split families apart.

In v38, Jesus was using the symbol of the cross, an instrument of cruelty and death, to teach His disciples wanting to follow Him, that He wants total commitment – even to the point of death on the cross. Today, Jesus also wants our total commitment to Him. Jesus never promised that His followers will have a smooth ride in life. Instead, Jesus warned that His followers should expect persecution and suffering of various kinds but Jesus also promised that He will never leave His followers nor forsake them. Jesus assured us all of His presence, that He will enable us to weather our challenges and sufferings. In return, He wants our full commitment to Him, and not turn our backs on Him the moment we face problems, sufferings and so on.

We know someone who was once a successful businessman. He was married and had children. Life seemed good and they all attended church regularly. Then, his business started to slow down. He fell into debt and he lost the respect of his wife. He and his wife faced marital difficulties and instead of turning to the Lord, they turn away from the Lord. The family stopped coming to church. Their marriage ended in divorce, and this man lost custody of his children and all their joint assets. He continued to live on debt. This couple had lost their first love for the Lord and allowed their worldly desires to dominate them. They failed to turn to Jesus to weather their challenges. In the end, they faced broken lives and shattered dreams.

Let us pray: Heavenly Father, please help us not to count the cost in following you all the days of our lives but to consider it a great privilege. Thank you for being with us to weather through all the storms in our lives and we give you all the glory. In the wonderful name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.

Questions

  1. How have you suffered for being a follower of the Lord Jesus? Share of a personal experience and how did the Lord help you weather this experience?
  2. How has the Lord been your ever-present help in need? Share.
  3. Why do some people turn their backs on the Lord when they face hard times or times of suffering? Discuss.
  4. How can you keep your faith in the Lord when all is not going well with you in your life? Discuss.