A Cross to Bear
Jesus says, “If anyone want to be a follower of mine, let him … take up his cross and follow me” (Matthew 16:24). He does not say “Make a cross” or “Look for a cross.” Each of us has a cross to carry. There is no need to make one or look for one. The cross we have is hard enough for us! But are we willing to take it up, to accept it as our cross?
Maybe we can’t study, maybe we are handicapped, maybe we suffer from depression, maybe we experience conflict in our families, maybe we are victims of violence or abuse. We didn’t choose any of it, but these things are our crosses. We can ignore them, reject them, refuse them, or hate them. But we can also take up these crosses and follow Jesus with them.
—Henry Nouwen
Taking Up Our Cross
The imagery Jesus chose here is telling. Crosses are not easy to bear. The condemned were forced to carry at least the crossmember of their crosses to the point of their execution—in Jesus’ case, up the road to Calvary. Jesus walk up Calvary hill was called “The Via Dolorosa” or “the way of suffering.” His call to His followers to take up their cross and follow Him is an invitation into His sufferings. Indeed, our struggles and infirmities in this life are burdens to be carried. We have a choice before us. We can choose to bear our burdens in Jesus’ name and unto His glory, bearing them to Him at His invitation: “Come to me all you who are heavy burdened. I will give you rest.” Whatever weighs you down this day, carry it to Jesus! —DH
—David Hoskins, Founder & Care Guide, Sanctuary Clinics