If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow me. Luke 9:23
‘Carrying the cross by Himself, He went to the place called place of the skull (which in Aramaic is called Golgotha)’. John 19:17
Jesus carried His own cross. Cross signifies suffering and troubles!!
‘Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest’. Matthew 11:28
How can a man who need to carry his own cross everyday can rest? When we follow Jesus we may suffer physically for his name in this world, but we will experience heavenly rest and peace to our souls.
GOD beautifully sequenced the tasks, first we must deny ourselves, and then carry our cross every day to follow Jesus. Denying ourselves is the toughest task than carrying the cross.
We are so mindful about the society and people. We cannot take social rejection. Society and people around us will reject, if you decide to follow Jesus. If you reject or deny yourself, it doesn’t matter if others reject you. When we reject ourselves, our cross becomes lighter. The SELF thing is much heavier than the cross.
Our day may be very normal, routine and busy, but please remember that the Lord’s coming is near and we need to be ready for the great feast and the day of judgement.
Father God! Praises to your mighty name!! Thank you for your son Jesus! Please help me to deny myself and follow Jesus to form into His image every day. In Jesus name. Amen!!