The theme for our reflection is taking up our cross. To take up one’s cross means to endure on account of his or her faith in Jesus Christ. The cross is a symbol of agony therefore to take up one’s cross is to embark on a journey of suffering and endurance. Jesus Himself was ready to take up His cross to glorify God and fulfil His mission on earth when He said that “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.” (Luke 9:22)
My dear friend in the Lord, no one desires or anticipates suffering and pain. Everyone prays against suffering and yearns for happiness and peace. It must be noted that the life of a Christian is a life of truth and light but the world is opposed to this truth and light. A true disciple of Christ will be hated and persecuted because he or she represents Christ who is our light and truth (Word of Life). Jesus understands the predicaments of His faithful disciples therefore He encourages and admonishes us that “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self? Whoever is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. (Luke 9:23-26). You may be carrying a cross of suffering and betrayal because you maintained your integrity in the Lord and refused to participate in bribery and corruption at your workplace. In the same manner, some faithful believers have become the target of men and women of darkness because they continue to expose their evil ways through their rightousness.
We are further assured in Revelations 2:10 that “Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown.” You are not alone on the journey of carrying your cross, Jesus is with you every step of the way, you shall be vindicated and God’s name glorified at His own appointed time. Shalom.
PRAYER
No matter how heavy our cross is, we believe Your grace is ever sufficient. Lord Jesus, grant us the spirit of endurance on account of our faith till the end so that we shall receive the crown of righteousness.
Jean-Paul Agidi (Rev)
Ewe Version (Audio)
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