“If any man would come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” Luke 9:23 ASV

God calls His redeemed to prepare not only for service, but also for suffering. These words are the Christian’s contract, sealed by the Spirit of God. Everyone who would be Christ’s servant must agree to this relationship. The main provision the Lord has made for His servants is for them to suffer in peace. Christ has been careful to reach for the hearts of His servants, for if they love Him deeply they will not merely endure hardships in His service, but show their readiness in it. Christ asks a saint to take his hands off his own will and give it up to Him. From the day he enters Christ’s service the servant must answer the Savior’s call with “Here am I. Send me” (Isaiah 6:8b).

Of course God does not mean for us to make our own cross and run headlong into trouble, but He does want us to take up the cross He has made for us. We should not step out of the way by any disingenuous shift to escape trouble, but accept the burden God has chosen as if He were doing us a favor to let us suffer for Him.

Easter reminds us to take up our cross and follow Jesus. And that there be no turning back.

Adapted, The Christian In Complete Armour, William Gurnall (1616 – 1679)

#NoTurningBack #Easter2024