From Hymn 675:Take up your cross, the Savior said, if you would my disciple be;Take up your cross with willing heart, and humbly follow after me.
It would be nearly impossible for us to hear these words as the disciples heard them. Finely wrought processional crosses lead our church service participants and we even wear them as jewelry. To people in Jesus’ time, crosses were seen in processions to the most unimaginable state-sponsored terrorism.
We can only take on faith the promise of Jesus: (to paraphrase) give up something significant –maybe old attitudes and habits that create walls. By symbolically losing our life (or even literally, as some have), Jesus promises a real gaining of LIFE.
No pain, no gain. It’s an eternal truth from Jesus, who redeems.
Brad NorrisMinister of Music
