When asked, “Are you Jesus of Nazareth?” Jesus, “knowing all that was coming,” replied, “I am.” But when asked a short time later, “Are you his disciple?” the Apostle Peter, fearful of all that was coming, replied, “No, I’m not!” (John 18:4-5; 17). Despite his discipleship training, it was only after Jesus’ death and resurrection, that Peter became a true disciple, a person capable of changing untold numbers of lives.
Following Jesus is dangerous. Why? Because the way to resurrection is through the cross, not around it. That’s why James 1:2-4 says we should “take joy” in the hard stuff, in the “trials,” because they train us, they make us “complete.” It’s the only way to become a true disciple, for it to become who we are.
I spent years in the throes of anxiety (I’ll be blogging about this soon). Despite my prayers for God to take it away, he made me go through it. It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done. But I would not be who God called me to be without it.
I keep two crosses on my dresser: The first is a silver crucifix given to me by a Catholic friend. It reminds me of what Jesus has done for me (“Greater love has no man…”). The second is an empty wooden cross…with a place for me. It’s what I offer back to him, my unqualified “Yes.”
Because the cross isn’t just about who Jesus is, it’s about who I am. Having come through darkness into light, I’m able to say authentically, “Follow me, I know the way!”
“For I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. And the life I now live in this body, I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave himself for me.” ~Galatians 2:20
“But I would not be who God called me to be without it.” Thank you again for your honesty. I have learned and am still learning about myself and God’s love in dealing with anxiety.
<3
Anxiety sufferer here. On best of days and times I can put it aside on the worst it is between me and the Lord that I get back to normal, This Hurricane Helene cost me a lot and even though in my area we were lucky and got through all right I discovered that the Lord, the spirits of my loved ones, and my Guardian Angels are all I can rely on, My friends four strapping grown up men one of them my late best friends husband who all know my issues with anxiety never even came out to inquire how I am dealing with the storm issue have not heard a thing up to today, Today I also had a wonderful thing happen with I could say is a true show of faith. I cashed out for a gift card on a survey site. As usual they say give it a couple of days, Then doing my email bam my redeemed gift card just popped in. I looked up and said thank you Lord. That is how I get through my day with one hand in the Lord’s and of course, my cats are a great help for just being here, I hope you have a great new week,
You too, Rasma. Bless you, my friend.
Anxiety sufferer here
There are a lot of us, EP. Good to meet you, btw.
Most of us wouldn’t choose suffering, but it does seem to be the way God purifies us our souls. God bless you Mitch.
Aw, thank you, and you too, PK.
Beautifully expressed, Mitch. I, too, have suffered from anxiety. His strength is made perfect in weakness.
Exactly, Anna.
Mitch, your words are inspiring and encouraging! Amen, my friend. “Because the cross isn’t just about who Jesus is, it’s about who I am.” Thank
You, Jesus! Thank you, Mitch. 💚🙏🏻
Bless you, Karla. You know wherof you speak, dear friend.
Thank you, dear Mitch. What a precious thing to say. 🙏🏻
I really like the imagery of your two crosses 👌
BEAUTIFUL – I get it…
Joseph Yakovetic 4480 Powderhorn Place Drive Clermont, Florida 34711
mobile: 909.241.6088
SDG Soli Deo Gloria “To God Alone the Glory”
Hey Mitch! I love the painting and your words brought me to tears. Good tears. You tapped me and reminded me that I went through years of anxiety – to take joy in the hard stuff and the trials, so now He lives in me, and I live anew. The anxiety doesn’t control me anymore. HE is in control. I can take my hands off the wheel or at least not grip it so tightly. Thank you for these words! They are healing.
<3
Ah, anxiety, I know it well. Great read and religion is something I take a deep interest in and I enjoyed reading your words about it today.
Having the Crucifix and the Latin/Christian cross on your dresser are compelling symbols. What great reminders to be thankful to our Lord and Savior and to be open to God’s will. 🙂
Good meditation. Evocative image. Thanks.
My privilege, Carol.
I never would have thought an empty cross necklace would remind me of it being my cross to bear, it is a great statement, and very full of purpose. Blessings
Thank you, and blessings to you, my friend.
When I see a cross, I am reminded of the sacrifice Jesus made for me. It seems that this generation has lost sight of who Jesus truly is. He didn’t come just to establish churches; He came to transform the world and restore our connection to the eternal, just as Adam and Eve had. He came to remove the sin that separates us from God. Unfortunately, many people today believe that merely attending church is enough to be a follower of Jesus Christ. To truly follow Jesus, one must study His Word to understand who He is, and then emulate His actions by sharing the message of the Kingdom of God and spreading the Gospel.
Take Up the Cross and Follow Him
Matthew 16:24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. 25. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. 26. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? 27. For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works.
Matthew 28:18And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20. teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
The Great Commission
Mark 16:14 Later He appeared to the eleven as they sat at the table; and He rebuked their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who had seen Him after He had risen. 15. And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. 16. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.
The Parable of the Great Supper
Luke 14:15 Now when one of those who sat at the table with Him heard these things, he said to Him, “Blessed is he who shall eat bread in the kingdom of God!” 16. Then He said to him, “A certain man gave a great supper and invited many, 17. and sent his servant at supper time to say to those who were invited, ‘Come, for all things are now ready.’ 18. But they all with one accord began to make excuses. The first said to him, ‘I have bought a piece of ground, and I must go and see it. I ask you to have me excused.’ 19. And another said, ‘I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I am going to test them. I ask you to have me excused.’ 20. Still another said, ‘I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.’ 21. So that servant came and reported these things to his master. Then the master of the house, being angry, said to his servant, ‘Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in here the poor and the maimed and the lame and the blind.’ 22. And the servant said, ‘Master, it is done as you commanded, and still there is room.’ 23. Then the master said to the servant, ‘Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. 24. For I say to you that none of those men who were invited shall taste my supper.’ ”
Jesus, the King of Kings, brought us the message to live with eternity in mind as we navigate our daily lives. He calls us to stand up for His Kingdom, not just by attending church, but by dedicating our lives to His service. We are to use our hands, hearts, and voices for His Kingdom. Love all you my brothers and sisters. Let’s join the war between Satan and Jesus.
I love this Mitch!! FYI: I am giving you blog a shout out–on my facebook author page. 🙂 Looking forward to reading your blog about anxiety!
Well, thank you, Katie!
Well, you are welcome, Mitch. 🙂 🙂
Martin Luther talked about the theology of the cross vs. the theology of glory. Christ is most present in the cross – which is the pain, the suffering, and the death. It’s when we see the character of God most fully revealed. The cross is all about Jesus overcoming sin and death, after succumbing to death to show that death has no power and does not get the final say. Only then is it defeated beyond a doubt.
Thanks for you thoughtful response, Matthew, and amen.
galatians 2:45 verily i say unto thee he that has everlasting life
Love this post, Mitch! Thank you for sharing. It reminds me of the true meaning of following Christ. Love the statement “through the cross and not around it.”
So glad it spoke to you, San.
Yup; this reminds me of 2 Timothy 3:12, which says, “In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” A lot of our brothers and sisters in some other countries experience this daily.
Amen. It’s easy for us in the U.S. to forget that–and them–Keith.
So glad you can encourage us in that Way. Anxiety is tough!
It’s my privilege to offer any encouragement I can, Alison. Anxiety is tough indeed.
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