A Spectacle Of Glory #222

Read: Philippians 3:7-11

The Bible calls us to take up our cross daily and follow Jesus.^a But what does that really mean? How do we do that? Does it mean caring for a chronically ill family member, or maybe putting up with a melancholy spouse who doesn’t communicate, or living paycheck to paycheck. It may mean some of those things, but it’s also something more. Since Jesus died for our sins on the cross, then taking up our cross means dying to those same sins. Giving them up. Casting them aside. That’s what it means when Paul in today’s Scripture reading tells us to become like Jesus in His death. A cross is an instrument of death, and when we take it up daily, we learn how to die to ourselves, to our selfish wants and wishes. But take heart! The cross also means life. Not just life eternal, but joy and peace and power in the very midst of today’s hardships and worries.

Lord Jesus, I’m so glad You spoke about taking up my cross daily. Each new day gives me a fresh opportunity to do that. Maybe I didn’t pick it up yesterday or the day before, but I can pick it up today. Today, I will put You first. Today, I will place Your desires before mine.