“The cross is not the suffering tied to natural existence, but the suffering tied to being Christians. The cross is never simply a matter of suffering, but a matter of suffering and rejection for the sake of Jesus Christ, not for the sake of some other arbitrary behavior or confession.” ~
During Lent, Christians have a heightened focus upon the cross. Our hymns are chockful of phrases such as “Take up your cross”. We reflect upon the cross and ponder the necessity to carry our own crosses. However, we often have the wrong idea of a cross.
For many people, carrying a cross sounds like a burden or maybe even like a punishment. We do not see it for what it truly is: an invitation to become more intimate with God. What could be more personal that to share somebody’s pain or suffering. When we enter into a deeper relationship with God, we shoulder our crosses gently and with love knowing that the cross is the path to redemption.
We do what we do for the sake of Jesus. We take up our cross because He took His cross upon Himself, carrying it to Calvary and dying upon it so that He might rise from the dead, destroying death and restoring life. He did that for us. He didn’t need to do it for Himself. Now, it is our turn to do for Him.
That is part of the glory of Lent, a wondrous invitation to draw closer to a God who loves us completely.
FAITH ACTION: Embrace your cross today as an opportunity to grow closer to the Lord and to draw strength from His passion.