Crosses (Oct 21)

And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.
                                             Luke 14:27 NIV

Jesus advises us that we must carry our own cross and follow him in order to be His disciple.  There are 62 definitions of cross in my Webster.  Certainly many have to do with the crucifixion, cross shape, or going across something.  In addition there is a double cross and one may cross one's heart. 

The definition of cross that seemed to jump out of the dictionary in my research was: any misfortune, trouble.  Jesus, in this verse, is advising us that we must carry our challenges and not blame others.  We, in a sense, need to accept our misfortune, challenges, and troubles and not blame someone else, like Adam and Eve, who caused our fall from harmony with God. 

After we accept our misfortune, trouble, challenges, and difficulties, then we can bring them to the Lord in confession to restore ourselves and then, via the Lord's work, move on as a disciple with the Spirit's guidance in faith and in love.

How do people give their crosses to others?

Have you been given someone else's cross?

Have you ever given one of your crosses to another?

Pray to have the wisdom to see your cross, pick it up, and bring it to the Lord in prayer.

In Christ,

David P