If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me (Matthew 16:24).

There is a man in my area who has a cross.  It’s a full-size, heavy, wooden cross, very authentic looking except for the wheel at the base.  This man, as far as I can tell, spends his days walking the highways and byways, sharing the gospel without saying a word.  To see him dragging that cross along the road is surprising, and comforting, and yet a little disturbing.  It’s a reminder that I do not always appreciate.  All of which is probably why he does it.

I admire the man, though I doubt that this is what Jesus meant in the above passage.  I kinda wish he had.  I mean, as tough as dragging that piece of wood undoubtedly is, it’s cake compared to the cross Jesus is talking about.

The cross of self-denial.

The cross of it’s not about me.

The cross of true humility.

What does your cross look like today, Beloved?  What will it mean for you to deny yourself so that you can be with Him?  Your cross will look different from mine, but it will be heavy all the same.  And yet…the reward.

To follow him.

To walk with Christ.

No matter how big, how ugly, how brutal your cross may be, his grace will enable you to lift it.  He wouldn’t tell you to do it otherwise.

Trust him…he’s earned it.

Heave-ho, Beloved.