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Mark 8:34
He called the crowd with his disciples, and said to them, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me." * * * * * * * * * Recently I had a person ask me point blank what this verse means. She knew what it says. She has heard those words many times and is very knowedgable in Biblical studies. We can test the pool of words and determine any nuances of interpretation, but eventually, if we are serious, we want to know what these words, in particular, really mean. What does it mean to deny ourselves? What does it mean to take up our cross? What does it mean to follow Jesus? As often as I have encountered this verse, at different times of my life it has meant different things. It may mean something else to you today. For me, today, to follow Jesus means to lean into his suffering. I am not one to believe that following Jesus is the Golden Ticket for a happy life. Somewhere along the way, I stopped looking for "happy." Now I am good with whatever life the cross of Christ offers. * * * * * * * * * Lead on, Lord. Amen. * * * * * * * * * ELOGOS readers are invited to particpate in the 40 Days of Lent Extra Challenge to raise funds to build a well in Africa through Water to Thrive. Donate here
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