“And he strictly charged and commanded them to tell this to no one, saying,
“The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders
and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.”
And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself
and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it,
but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.”
Luke 9:21-24
One of the most challenging calls of the Lord comes when he says, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take us his cross daily and follow me.” We often sing and speak about taking up our cross, but do we truly understand what that means? I think we skim over the first words of this command, and only really hear the words, “follow me.” However, this call is much more than just following after God.
The call begins with the command to “deny” self. We live in the midst of an age of entitlement where we are constantly encouraged to fight for what we deserve while being reminded that we deserve everything. It is only when we stop and remember the amazing grace of God that we truly begin to have an accurate view of this call. Because of the grace of God, it is our privilege to deny self, it is our privilege to take up our cross daily, it is our privilege to follow the Lord wholeheartedly and leave all behind. Remember, the only thing we are entitled to is eternal condemnation, yet the Just and Holy God lavishes His mercy and grace on wretched sinners, you and me.
- Brennan
What grace is mine, that He who dwells in endless light
Called through the night to find my distant soul.
And from his scars poured mercy that would plead for me
That I might live and in his name be known.
So I will go wherever He is calling me;
I lose my life to find my life in Him.
I give my all to gain the hope that never dies;
I bow my heart, take up my cross, and follow Him.
What grace is mine, to know His breath alive in me;
Beneath his wings my wakened soul may soar.
All fear can flee for death's dark night is overcome;
My Saviour lives and reigns forevermore.
So I will go wherever He is calling me;
I lose my life to find my life in Him.
I give my all to gain the hope that never dies;
I bow my heart, take up my cross, and follow Him.
So I will go wherever He is calling me;
I lose my life to find my life in Him.
I give my all to gain the hope that never dies;
I bow my heart, take up my cross, and follow Him.
"What Grace Is Mine" words by Kristyn Getty, Music is a traditional Irish melody, Londonderry Air, arranged by Keith & Kristyn Getty, ©2008 Gettymusic.
All rights reserved. Used by Permission. CCLI License #2864657.
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