OUR DAILY BURDEN

Most of us have an expectation of a good life consisted of all the nice things, the best of health, no trouble, no trials of any kind, no tribulations and little or no disappointment; a life with no problem. Even as a Christians we carry forward the thought that for the most part everything will be nice as we go through life. We expect God to be there always to make sure nothing serious or too bad happen to us or our families. We learn to trust Him for our ultimate security. I soon learned that the guarantee is on our Spiritual Security and not on any other security. Our physical, financial and all other material securities are all subject to that Spiritual Security and their application varies according to the cross we bear.  I often read this passage of scripture: “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me” (Luke 9:23) I also read all the other passages where Christ indicated that I must bear my cross; but I seem to have missed the word DAILY or paid little or no attention to it. You probably did so too. The Gospels of Matthew and Luke gave the account of Simon the Cyrenian been compelled to bear the cross after Jesus (Matthew 27: 32 and Luke 23: 26). I am confident that at the start of that unforgettable day; that Simon did not know that he would be a part of so novel an event as the Crucifixion of the Lord Jesus Christ. Before the day was over he had a life changing experience that would leave his name forever embedded in the annals of history. He was bearing the cross following after Jesus and to be a witness to the transforming work and power of Grace Divine. Unlike Simon we know that we have a cross to bear as we follow Christ; but like Simon we have no idea how our day will end. The Cross is a burden that each of us must bear; taking it up anew every morning, without ever knowing how, what, when or where the end will be. We often forget that: “daily” really means DAILY and are often devastated when we come face to face with the rigors of each day’s burdens. The good times often erase from our memories the undeniable truth that we are in the Valley of The Shadow of Death and must face the consequences of our Alien occupation as dictated by the individual cross that we each must bear. We should not forget that all whom the Father has made sons, then heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ Jesus must in like manner suffer with Him; enduring the cross, despising the shame, that they may also reign with Him. Therefore beloved; lest you forget, be ever mindful of this truth: You bear your cross DAILY.

If they hate you; remember you bear your cross DAILY.

If they curse you; remember you bear your cross DAILY.

If they fire you from your job because of your faith; remember you bear your cross DAILY.

If they attack you physically and even seek to take your life; remember you bear your cross DAILY.

If they kill those whom you love; remember you bear your cross DAILY.

If they take away some or all that you have; remember you bear your cross DAILY.

If they deny you those things to which you are entitled; remember you bear your cross DAILY.

If they accuse you wrongfully; remember you bear your cross DAILY.

If they give you more than your share of the work; remember you bear your cross DAILY.

If they lay on you more than your share of the burden; remember you bear your cross DAILY.

If everything seems to go against you; remember you bear your cross DAILY.

If nothing seems to work in your favor; remember you bear your cross DAILY.

When everything seems to go wrong; remember you bear your cross DAILY.

Whatever comes your way consider it your cross to bear. “Take up your cross DAILY and follow me”; He said. With prayer and supplication make your request known to the Lord even as you press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. You will never know how difficult it will get, or how hard the journey is to travel. For many it’s a hard road to travel and a mighty long way to go; but Jesus the blessed Savior will see you all the way even to the end of the world. Be encouraged today and every day; as you take up your cross and follow Him: who said he would never leave you or forsake you. He will be with you always, to see you through all your travails even death; and in the end crown you with Life Eternal.  Love you with the love of the Lord.

W. Bennett