“And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me.” (Matt 10:38)

When Jesus spoke these words, those who heard them were well aware of their meaning.

Crucifixion on a cross was a gruesome punishment already in practice.

They had heard the nails. They had seen the blood splatter.

Those who would take their crosses were taking them knowing a slow, horrible death was certain.

Can you imagine?

But as I read these words, I think of Hebrews 12 which tells us, Jesus took up His cross for the JOY set before Him.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted”. (Heb 12:1-3)

As we take up our crosses, we may not be called to physically die,but as believers we are dying to other things—fitting in with our culture, most worldly entertainment, sometimes our dreams, our finances and even some relationships… following Christ is definitely not always easy.

We don’t want to grow weary in doing so; and we will if we do not diligently, this side of Heaven, keep eternal things in mind.

Our Savior did. It was “for the joy that was set before him” that he “endured the cross.”

There is a JOY to be had for all those who follow Christ. One day all the struggle and strife will end. One day every wrong thing will be made right and there really will be no more tears. All because of what Jesus accomplished on that cross.

Jesus goes on to encourage us that those who live this way, who lose their life this side of eternity for His sake, actually find it! (See Matt 10:39)

Let’s don’t lose sight of this. Let’s remind each other of this! Let’s take up our crosses and follow Jesus because one day our faith really will become sight!

Can you imagine?

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