The Cross We Take Up

... and its implications for our lives.

Luk 9:23-24 And He said to all, If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me. For whoever will save his life shall lose it, but whoever will lose his life for My sake, he shall save it.

What was a cross in Jesus' day? Our Sunday school teacher brought this up, and his brief answer to the question captured my attention. Carrying a cross was a public walk-to-death, not merely bearing with an annoying boss or not having the cash to buy groceries as we too often say today.

So, now let's ponder further.

The cross was a confession. As the condemned were forced to carry their cross through the streets, they were saying to all who saw them, "I have done something worthy of death, and not any death, a long-drawn-out public death."

The cross was a warning. All those who saw it knew that there are things that are worthy of death, and they saw the consequence played out before their eyes. This was no quiet, natural slipping away in sleep. A cross made death an event that could not be ignored, no matter if it made the crowd uncomfortable, or even caused them to think of their own actions and whether they might find themselves carrying a cross one day too.

The cross marked a man as condemned already.

So, the disciples weren't thinking of sore feet and sleeping on rocky ground when Jesus said, "take up your cross." They thought of death.

But Jesus didn't stop there. He didn't say, "be prepared to die for the cause" though he did speak of this on other occasions. He said, "Take up your cross daily." One does not die physically every day.

So here are the keys to the daily death we're asked to die as followers of Christ:
"Deny yourself"
"Lose your life"
"For My sake"

Now, the men who carried their crosses didn't need to announce to the crowd, "I am carrying a cross. See me? I am a dead man walking."

Are our lives a confession, both of our unworthiness of grace, and grace itself?

Do our lives exhibit denial of self? Do our actions speak? "I follow Christ first, above all other demands and distractions." I will not take simply because I can." "I will be satisfied with less now for God's glory." "What I want isn't important beside the choice to serve my Savior."

Do we lose our lives? "Life is hard, but God is always good." "If I must live in servitude like Joseph, so be it. I will be the best servant I can be." "I will do my best to glorify God in the life He gave me." "If troubles come I can accept the pain. My peace is in Christ." "I do not need to be famous or rich, so long as I am in Christ's will with all that I am."

And is this death for Christ's sake? Is it gratitude or drudgery? Is it resentful or whole-hearted?

I've written before on transparency. This ties in. It is when Christ is hidden in our lives that we are least transparent. Light, by it's very nature, points out that which causes shadow. Self causes a shadow within Christ's light. Self-denial, self-death is a destruction of that which blocks the light. This is not all at once. This is a daily death, but not one without progress.

Phi 2:5+8+12 For let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus ... who humbled Himself and became obedient to death, even the death of the cross.... Therefore,... cultivate your own salvation with fear and trembling. Phi 1:6 [I am] confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will [continue to perfect] it until the day of Jesus Christ,... Phi 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I say, Rejoice!

Joseph, David, Jesus...

It's amazing how often the Bible shows and says that "the good life" is the hard life.

Over the weekend, I listened to our retreat speaker talk about how her life hasn't been perfect, but how it's been for God's glory because now she can encourage others. Then she pointed out that Joseph's dysfunctional family life hurt him even before he was sold into slavery, and how he had 12+ years of dropping to the bottom, being raised up to privilege, then being cast down to the bottom to start over and over and over again. Yet Joseph said "what you meant for harm, God meant for good."

As I drove home, I reviewed my verses in Philippians, and suddenly Paul's words popped out at me, written from prison, after multiple imprisonments and stonings and attack through his life: "But I would have you know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, so it has become apparent to the entire palace guard and to all the rest that my chains are in Christ, and many of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident because of my imprisonment, are now bold to preach the Word without fear."

Then, this morning, as I helped in the 1st&2nd grade Sunday school class, the teacher taught about how young David was annointed king of Israel long before he was given the position, and I remembered the long years of service, lost friendship, battle, fear, and hiding that were part of his lot as chosen of God.

The theme continued through Sunday school. We're looking at Luke chapter nine, where Jesus asks the disciples who they think He is and they finally catch up with what the demons already knew and say, "You're the Messiah of God." And does Jesus tell them, "Great let's all have happy lives!" NO! He informs them that he's planning to die. Then he says, "If you want to be my disciples, you're going to have to deny yourselves and take up your cross to follow me."

None of God's chosen have had easy lives. (Well, none I can think of anyway, feel free to correct me.) Yet somehow we are rewarded beyond the cost of any sacrifice to God's glory. Do we, perhaps, misrepresent what it means to "become saved" or "let Jesus in your heart"? Are we cupboard Christians, only there for the blessing and not for the self-denial and service?

This will take more thought on my part. Do you have anything to add? More examples? A contradiction?

Expect the unexpected...

I didn't blog about losing the brake pad off my car this weekend while pulling out of the ATM, and turning past a pond (which I would have gone into if I hadn't been just starting) because, while it's an unusual event, it scared me so badly that I don't think writing about it occurred to me. FIL has been working on it, but because of the cold he was planning on finishing tomorrow. So I took David's car shopping tonight.

BUT

After finishing my expedition at the bright and cheerful hour of ten p.m. I discovered my front, right tire was flat--not merely deflated a little--this tire had a nice straight line of compressed rubber just crossing the base of its rim. Well, FIL came over and very kindly assisted me by freezing while he put on the spare.

The spare was flat.

We used our little emergency air compressor and pumped it up to tolerable levels, and I pulled out with FIL following to make sure the spare would bring me home. The car felt mighty strange, as if I were driving through a foot of molasses. We turned onto the street, and I decided enough was enough. I might be paranoid, but I'd rather look idiotic and drive FIL's van while he drove the car. FIL pulled over again seconds after starting the car.

The LEFT front tire was flat!

We gave up and called AAA.

All things considered ... this is blog-worthy. I'm very glad to be home, and not to have been in any car crashes. Good night.

And all this discussion about what makes a story Christian...

reminds me of one of the verses I just memorized from Philippians. Below is a mildly changed edition of this section based on my meditation over the last few days.

Some do preach Christ out of envy and strife, but some also of goodwill. The former preach out of selfish ambition, insincerely, supposing they add affliction to my imprisonment. But the others out of love, knowing I am set for the defense of the gospel. What then? Whatever the motive, Christ is preached. In that I rejoice and intend to continue rejoicing.

How powerful is our enemy? Is worldliness truly strong enough to cover the fact that God has had a hand in every good thing from the beginning of the world? Are they strong enough to take truth from Him and claim it for themselves?

No!

So when some reveal truth by accident in their fight against Truth, it is our place to cheer and say, "I knew you'd have to get to Truth sooner or later, because it can't be avoided or ignored."

And, when a Christian, seeing that Christian books are rarely-to-never read by those who would most benefit by them, steps out to write a book that will not drive them away from Truth by scalding them with all its glory, but instead lure them with a soft glow of what could be theirs, I think we should rejoice that Christ is preached. (See my last post for one such author.) Do we run the risk of Truth being misunderstood or perverted? Yes. Yet, you must admit, even the whole Truth, word-by-word--with footnotes--is willingly perverted and misunderstood.

What do you think? Do we live Christian lives even in the moments when we do not outline the steps of salvation? Do we tell Christian tales even when the story is more subtle than Christ's parable of the sower? What does make a story, or a work of art, or a batch of cookies, or even a moment of housekeeping.... Christian?

Could Christian really just be a glimpse of Christ doing something in the life of a person? Can it be so simple and general? What if Christ is preached so simply?

And... while I'm thinking about it... why did God shield His people from His full glory so many times and ways? Can it be that we would be just as destroyed by the WHOLE TRUTH as secular readers might be with the whole Truth? Maybe Christ works in a process that takes a whole life and turns it into light.

Auralia's Colors

I bought Auralia's Colors in the science fiction and fantasy section at Barnes and Nobles on the vague memory that someone had mentioned it favorably once. I read the story, not thinking about the Christian author as that particular fact had slipped my mind. By the end of the book, I was certain of the biblical parallels and very sorry to realize I'd have to wait for the sequel.

It's so exciting that there are Christian authors who write books to interest the general fantasy audience; and to think that random people who don't know Christ might pick up the book, submerge themselves into a truth-focused world-view, and come out longing for more. This book is a re-reader because it is like a prizm--drawing nuances of color from the truth, each illuminating perspectives worth considering before Christ. There's no way I can think about all of it in just one reading.

Even as Jeffery Overstreet manages to pack many messages and reminders into his story, there are no overt lectures or sermons. This is a fable to illustrate truth, and the meaning is left for us to consider. I'm sure the sequel will help with the process, but already I've found myself looking more closely at Christ's interactions in my life as a result of this book.

For example: What does it mean for us to be citizens of a kingdom no one can define? What beauty has been stolen from our lives "for everyone's good"? What greatness do we seek that is not truly great? Where do we offer our treasures and how willing are we to let them rest in some dark storage place rather than being of use and bringing joy to those around us? I could go on... but I'm sure you'll come up with your own ponderings as you read Auralia's Colors.

My favorite quote from an interview with Jeffery:

If there is some truth to a work of art, or some beauty, poetry, and passion — that can give the audience an encounter with God, even in the artist doesn’t believe in God. I’ve read an awful lot of Christian books that were poorly written, derivative, boring, and sloppy. That doesn’t do me any good. And my faith has been encouraged and transformed by artists who would never call themselves Christians. It doesn’t matter much who is writing the story — it’s the story that matters. It doesn’t matter what color that candle’s made of — it’s the light and the heat the draws people in. You’ve probably heard it said, “All truth is God’s truth.” I would add that all beauty is beautiful because it reflects God’s glory.

May many hearts find something to search for in reading this book, and may they be satisfied with nothing less than the King of Kings, Christ.
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For other perspectives and better reviews, please visit the links below.

Brandon Barr , Jim Black , Justin Boyer , Grace Bridges , Jackie Castle , Carol Bruce Collett , Valerie Comer , CSFF Blog Tour , D. G. D. Davidson , Chris Deanne , Jeff Draper , April Erwin , Marcus Goodyear , Andrea Graham , Jill Hart , Katie Hart , Timothy Hicks , Heather R. Hunt , Becca Johnson , Jason Joyner , Kait , Karen , Carol Keen , Mike Lynch , Margaret , Rachel Marks , Shannon McNear , Melissa Meeks , Rebecca LuElla Miller , Mirtika or Mir's Here , Pamela Morrisson , Eve Nielsen , John W. Otte , John Ottinger , Deena Peterson , Rachelle , Steve Rice , Cheryl Russel , Ashley Rutherford , Hanna Sandvig , Chawna Schroeder , James Somers , Rachelle Sperling , Donna Swanson , Steve Trower , Speculative Faith , Jason Waguespac , Laura Williams , Timothy Wise

Memorizing Philippians...

Ok, so I memorized the whole thing in 8th grade or thereabouts... but it's been a while. I figure if I memorize something that should at least have a brain map in there somewhere, then it'll get me into the habit of memorizing without the agony of never remembering what I was memorizing.

I'm in the general area of Philippians 1:15 so far, and I say as much as I remember most nights as I'm going to sleep after trying to add a few more lines right before turning off the light, then try to remember several times during the day also. So far, so good.

I'm also planning on studying some of the key words and thinking about why Paul put the content in the letter... his circumstances, what he's talking to the Philippians about, how the things he says show his relationship with the people and Christ, what things I learn about God. I'm also using the verses as I pray for people, thinking of ways Paul's prayers apply to people I know.

It's very interesting. I like it, and I think once I get the habit going I'll probably say the verses to and eventually with the kids in the mornings. I figure it won't hurt them, and maybe they'll decide they want to be able to say whole books of the Bible too. There's something to be said for knowing the whole story when you're picking verses out of your head in a stressful situation.

A friend who makes cool stuff...

Hanna, you like beads, right? Look this way.

Christie's Etsy shop is finally set up, which means you can finally browse through her cool creations and actually buy them!

I love her work ... too bad I rarely wear jewelry.

Uh... and I probably should try to remember the access codes and edit her homepage with a link to the shop... Hrm...

As you can see, it is a pseudo-vacation

This is another way to say, "I know I've been neglecting my blog dreadfully, and it's not going to end just yet."

We're all sick, and I'm going to use that as the excuse until I come up with a better one. When I have enough energy to think you'll hear from me again.

Ironic Extremes

Yes.
I just bought the calendar.
No.
I didn't know this was out there before.
Yes.
I intend to laugh all year.

Extreme Ironing

Success

Onward, forward into a new day, a new year. I suppose we naturally assess our lives when a moment of change approaches, and traditionally do so when we switch out the calendar on the wall. It's easy to say, "I'll change this! " and make a grand resolution.

I'm not too good at keeping resolutions, though. They take self-discipline, and my main resolution in life is to develop more of that so I can make more resolutions that I'll keep.

Yet, I can't leave it. My life is there to assess, and so much needs to change. I'm confident of only one thing this year. It's a good thing I have Christ or there would be nothing worthwhile to look back on.

We just watched David's favorite Christmas movie, "It's a Wonderful Life". It's such a true story, and that's why it's a classic. And so? My goal is to be a success.

I want to be a success like Aunt Mabel, who has given her whole life in serving God and giving generously to anyone she can. I want to be a success like all my Grandparents, who live for Christ and have reached so many people with love and compassion as a result. Their lives have Christ's gospel written all over them.

I want to be like my parents, amazingly talented people who can do so many things that could have made them money, but they do it all for free and give of their time and talents over and over for the glory of God. I want to be like my brother, who is a natural pilot who could easily make it as a pilot anywhere, but chose to go learn a foreign language and learn to live in another culture so he can support missionaries by transporting them and their belongings where God has placed them.

I have so much that doesn't really matter, and it's so easy to focus on getting more. But I have children and a husband to serve, and friends and neighbors before whom I'm responsible to transport God's love, character and mission.

How much can I give up of myself this year? How much more will erode away before the onslaught of Christ's character? How much of a success will I be? I hope a big one, because God's glory is worth losing everything, no matter how important I think it may be, and no matter how I may weep with desire for it.

There is a Pearl of great price. It is in my hands. May I never let go for lesser things!