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“Take Up Your Cross and Follow Me”

   The false impression has too often been given that when we follow Christ everything will be just great and problems will go away.  To the contrary, Jesus taught that there would be difficult times of opposition and tribulation (suffering) when we follow him. In this country we have had very little persecution, but the atmosphere is changing.  In Luke 14:25-33 Jesus taught that we should count the cost and realize that the way will be difficult.  He uses the picture of bearing a cross and following Him.  The Romans knew the meaning of the symbolism.  The Romans forced criminals to carry their own cross to the place of execution. This portrayed complete submission to Rome.  This is the background of Jesus’ declaration:  And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. Total surrender to Christ is our response to His death on the cross bringing us forgiveness, peace, spiritual joy, and eternal life.

   This total surrender and commitment to Christ has cost the lives of His followers around the world.  In an article written in 206 by Thomas Horn he gave this quote: “More Christians died for their faith in the twentieth century than at any other time in his­tory, says Christian Solidarity Inter­national. Global reports indicate that over 150,000 Christians were martyred last year, chiefly outside of the United States.”

   Many in the early church suffered death as a result of their commitment to Christ and the gospel.   According to a Pew Forum study, Christians are being persecuted in 131 of the world's 193 countries (200 million according to the World Evangelical Alliance).  How valuable is your faith in Christ?  This month we celebrate the crucifixion and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ.  I pray that our love for Him for what He did for us will be greater than ever!  I pray that we will be totally surrendered to Him that we may take up our cross and follow Him whatever the cost,