Where can I go with the cross
What is the quest of all men? Isn’t it to preserve life? To make sure that the survival of the human race is secure for as long as it takes. Going into outer space and finding a livable planet is because man fears that this planet that we live in is not going to last lone, and in order for man to survive we need a new home. And so, the quest to prolong life has been put on high gear up to the common man. More and more commercials for living a healthier and longer life is hitting our screens. The US life expectancy is at 78.8. In a survey conducted by pew research center stated that 70% of Americans want to life up to their 100’s. Death cannot be cheated! The bible states that it is established that man must die (ps146:4, He9:27), and that there is no way out of it.
Luke 8:34-37
34 Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 35 For whoever wants to save their lifeb] will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it. 36 What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? 37 Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?
The human purpose to preserve life is at the quest of every person since the beginning, we do it for us. But the purpose we have used throughout the years have differed from that of Gods, for he said that “whoever will lose his life for me and the gospel” will save it. It requires denial! In order to save your life goes on the contrary to what man says will safe your life and take your cross. What does taking your cross have to do with saving your life? It establishes the master and disciple relationship (Lk14:27), which includes a total dependency of life with the master. The cross takes the sting of death out of the equation (1Co15:55-57). The cross becomes a governing system that defeats death and leads to life (1P2:24). It dictates where can we go with the cross making us and others uncomfortable. Taking the cross and following him is a daily practice to reflect the God way of preserving life (Lk9:23) via denial. There is no benefit for the soul when stressing to make a good life, because nothing can enrich it like being at peace with God.
When their spirit departs, they return to the ground; on that very day their plans come to nothing.
Hebrews 9:27
27 Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment,
Luke 14:27
27 And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.
1 Corinthians 15:55-57
“Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?”a] 56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Peters 2:24
24 “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.”
Luke 9:23
23 Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.