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
looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising (disregarding) the shame , and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:2
A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
John 13:34
These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. You are My friends if you do whatever I command you.
John 15:11-14
The cross Jesus asks us to take up daily will kill you. But that’s just the point. That’s the really good news of the gospel.
What?
Well, what I’m realizing is that as long as I’m alive (the old nature; my old, selfish self) and living for self and the flesh, I’m not being set free to enjoy the things of God, His higher ways, the blessings of God in my spirit that only He can give me. As long as “self” is my priority, I’ll have less peace, and my joy won’t be full.
Many years ago I spent a week fasting and praying – I recommend everyone do this. It’s so calming and really clears my head. Reminds me that I need to do it again. =)
During that time, I asked God some questions about Jesus. One of them was, “How is it that Jesus is so high and lifted up?” The answer was because Jesus has no thought for Himself. He lives totally for His bride – to love her, always. This is true joy, happiness and fulfillment. There’s no higher type of life in all of creation.
Wow, that really ministered to me as I laid there meditating on everything that meant. You can get really peaceful just thinking about God’s answer regarding Jesus.
Living completely for others, free from all of the competition, insecurities, confines, stress, ego traps, chains and entanglements that living for “self” brings.
Whewie, that’s really something, that’s freedom…
So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed (you’re unquestionably free).
John 8:36
Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.
1 Corinthians 13:4-8a
I can run towards and embrace my daily cross. At the cross, self-serving is defeated. It’s where I’ll have full joy.
God bless,
Mark