Devotion:
For an audio version of this devotion, click here.
Read Luke 9:23-26.
This passage, which calls us to take up our cross daily, challenges us to live in ways of faith that could threaten even our very lives. This is NOT an easy challenge or call but rather a chilling one. It appears to contrast sharply with Jesus’ statement in yesterday’s passage that his yoke is “easy,” and you will hear more about that apparent contradiction in today’s sermon.
When I taught about this passage in a Bible study in Cuba, a young evangelist stood and asked me if I had ever faced death (taken up my cross) for my faith. I admitted that I had not. In a very quiet voice, he told about going to preach in a village that had no church. A few Christians from that town came to warn him that men would be waiting to attack him with machetes if he came that evening to preach about Jesus Christ. He thought about leaving and going home, but he prayed instead and was reminded of this passage. He preached, people accepted the Good News, and no harm came to him. Less dramatic but more likely in our community, we are called to stand up for our faith and speak out for Christ when it is not the popular or cool thing to do.
Personal Worship Option:
Gracious God, I find it difficult to read this passage. In our country, we have freedom to live as Christians, to worship openly, and to share the Good News. Yet, there are times when I should take a stand and I do not. Give me the boldness to really, really follow Christ. Amen.
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