Take Up Your Cross

My last day of work was December 10^th, but these past few weeks have been busy—trying to catch up with friends and family, spending time in The Word, and also squeezing in some time to get myself organized and packed.  Most of the goodbyes have been said…and they’ve been a little harder than expected.  People have been writing me encouraging notes, sending sweet texts, giving me generous gifts, and praying over me.  Many hugs have been exchanged with friends and family.  I had a great New Year’s Day eating and playing games with my family.  I made sure I visited my dad’s grave before I left and put some “new” flowers on.  My 96-year-old Grandma mentioned that she hopes she is around when I return; and when I said goodbye, she was crying.  While getting ready this morning, Alivia (my dog) was whimpering and thought she was coming along.  She knew something was going on.  I get one more night with my mom, brother, and Uncle as we spend the night at the Holiday Inn by BWI airport.  And then I will get a few more days with my mom at launch.  I know 2019 holds something quite special, but my eyes have not been dry. 

I’ve been lucky to have the opportunity to say goodbye, but now I must follow the command to GO.  “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20).

Sometimes we have doubts and make excuses.  In Matthew 8, Jesus is talking to a crowd of people.  A disciple said to him, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.” “[Jesus said] Follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead” (Matt 8:22).  Letting go can be hard, as I mentioned earlier.  But, there is a greater reward to this abandonment!  There is KINGDOM GROWTH.      

When Jesus called some of his first disciples, they went.  “At once they left their nets and followed him.” “Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.” (Matt 4:20, 22) “Then Jesus said to Simon, ‘Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.’ So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.” Luke 5:10-11

They literally dropped everything they were doing and WENT.  They left their jobs, their families—their everything.  There wasn’t time to prepare a bag (whooaaa just look at all the stuff I’m taking!)

What an incredible mindset.  They trusted that God would take care of them.  And now it’s time for me to take that mindset too (but with just a little more luggage!)  It’s time to let go and GO and create an infinite dependence on God and his goodness.  (So if my communication is limited….know that I care about you, and APPRECIATE and LOVE your comments, encouragement, and prayers;  However, I also need to keep my focus with my team.  But please keep them coming (I love hearing from you!) and I will communicate when I can and when it’s appropriate).

Now maybe the WR is a little dramatic for you.  But we are called here in our own neighborhoods too.  WE ARE THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD.  Jesus commands us to tell others of His great salvation…aka spread the light!  He wants everyone to know about Him.  So what is your next step going to be?  Who will you invite to church this week?  How are you going to be the hands and feet of Christ today?  What are you actively doing to build HIS KINGDOM?  What will you give up today for the sake of Christ?  It’s time to deny yourself and the worldly things that hold you back, take up your cross, and follow Christ fully. 

Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.  For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul? Matt 16:24-26