The Way and Weight of the Cross

Matthew 16:24

All of us have been in a store and heard the crying and screaming of a child that doesn’t get what he or she wants. It seems to be one of the first signs of the fallen nature in a child. The child thinks that a temper tantrum is a means to changing the mind of the parent to get what they want. Some parents give in only feeding and nourishing that selfishness that ends up hurting the life of the child instead of helping it. It hurts to go without the things we want but over a period of time we realize that those things we desired were either not good for us or not necessary.

Today, we as Christians are feeling that we are not getting our way. We feel that what we wanted was what God wanted and when it doesn’t work out we tend to be hurt, disappointed, let down, and yes even angry. Let’s not beat up ourselves to much because what we desired was the best for our country, our churches, and most of all the generations to come. We meant well! But also too, it is a humble reminder that God’s ways and thoughts are much higher than ours. (Isaiah 55:8,9)

This is when the reality of the Gospel demand weighs in the most. It is then we learn the true meaning of Jesus’ words here in our scripture. “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” By this statement we learn that the Christian life is not about us, but all about Jesus. That’s why we too have to carry a cross. It symbolizes the death to self. Through the cross we learn that life is all about going God’s way and not our way. God’s way is the way that leads to life, freedom, and to that place where our life and history find its final fulfillment and triumph, when God’s plan is complete and Christ reigns over all in eternity.

But not only do we have to surrender to the way, we also have to be willing to bare the weight. In times like these we feel the weight and roughness of the cross. When times are good, the cross doesn’t seem to be as weighty and rugged. But if you and I follow Christ long enough, we will experience the pain and suffering of dying to ourselves and accepting the will of God.

I remember many years ago when I worked with the Forest Service, there was an endurance test that we had to do once a year to prove that we were fit enough to fight wildfires. We would have to put on a back pack full of weights and climb up and down a short stairway. It was called the step test. We would have to climb up and down for several minutes. To begin with it wasn’t bad, but as time went on, the backpack got heavier and the legs got weaker. We had to prove that we were fit enough to do the job.

Today you and I have something to prove. This is the true test of finding out if we are truly willing to deny ourselves and follow God. Are we fit enough spiritually to endure the weight of the cross that lies ahead? There may be many ups and downs ahead of us. I found in doing the step test that the going down was easy, it was the going up that was hard. Right now God is leading us up, and we may be a little weary, but I am also reminded of the words of Jesus, “Come unto me all who are laboring and heavy laden and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)

The way of the cross leads home and the weight of it may be hard to bare, but as the hymn The Old Rugged Cross says, if we cling to it, we will “Exchange it someday for a crown.”

God Bless and I love you all!

Pastor Robby