Christ's Cross

Yesterday in church we sang In the Cross of Christ I Glory. The first verse describes the cross -- the means through which God opened salvation to all people. The second verse goes on to claim the comfort of the cross -- how even when nothing seems to be going our way, we know that Christ's cross offers hope and peace. The third verse celebrates life's joys and how the cross makes those joys even better. Finally, the fourth verse sums it up: whether things are going well or poorly, the cross -- and what Christ accomplished on it -- is a constant source of peace and joy.

So often, when things are not going our way, we want to know why. Why is this happening to me? Why does it have to be so difficult? Why can't things be a little easier? But Christ did not take the easy route in His time on Earth. He allowed Himself to be humiliated, to suffer, to die -- all for the sinners that despised Him. Now we, who are called to follow Him, are called indeed to follow Him. Through wherever He leads. "And he said to all, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me'" (Luke 9:23, ESV). But we know that He will not ask us to go anywhere that He does not also go. He is with us always, leading us with His Spirit, comforting us with His cross.

Lord, make me a willing follower, wherever You might lead. May my life bring glory to you and benefit to my neighbor. Amen.