WEEKLY DEVOTION – OCTOBER 19, 2020

“Life in the Cross”

Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.

(Luke 9:23)

As Jesus informs and warns of his upcoming sacrifice on the cross of Calvary, he also establishes that life is in the cross experience. For Christ, it meant the resurrection life, and the power over death. And for the disciples, it meant an invitation to new life in the present, and the promise of eternal life for the future.

It is in this dialogue that we learn the meaning of the cross and possibility of the abundant life. It was a universal call to discipleship entailing self-denial while embracing the cross through surrender of will and purpose for the ways of God. This constitutes the desire to follow Jesus Christ as the Lord of one’s life where spiritual formation and transformation take place.

There is nothing in this world that is more important or more rewarding than to take up the cross daily and walk with God, through Jesus Christ, for life fulfillment like none other.

What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self?

(Luke 9:25)

Lord, give me the courage and strength to take up my cross daily and follow you. Amen

– Dumas Alexander Harshaw, Jr.