Pick up your cross…
I have been thinking about the scripture in the Gospel of Matthew a lot lately. What does it mean for me in my life to pick up my cross and follow after Christ. I have gone and looked up some of the words in the Greek. I have also been somewhat been inspired by Wild at Heart, by John Eldridge. I am currently rereading this book, and attempting to go through it with some boys at Jubilee.
So Jesus talking to his disciples tells them they must deny themselves, take up their crosses and follow him. I looked up the word deny in the Strong’s concordance.
I find it really meaningful that it says to disown. I am not my own, I belong to God and am purchased by Jesus’ death on the cross. I am supposed to give up ownership of my life, and let God take control. But when we lay ourselves on the alter, as a living sacrifice, it is often hard to keep ourselves there. When I get uncomfortable, I tend to want to get off of the altar. But I must remember that I don’t own my life. Paul says it beautifully.
Oh, that I could say that about my life. But, there are so many times that I can’t. So much of the time, I want to be in control. I want to do what I want to do, not lay down my own thoughts and ideas. To do stuff that makes me feel a bit uncomfortable. Jesus not only says that we must deny our selves, and pick up our cross… but to not save our lives. That word for save is the word σώζω sōzō. I didn’t know that this word was used here for this. I have seen this word before, but because of it’s meaning. It has to do with healing, protecting or deliverance, and saving. A very interesting word, and normally used in the context of physical healings. It was reading in Wild at Heart that John brings up the word used is not the word bios (as in physical life) but is psuchē (looks like psyche hu?), which has to do with our soul life. I one of the ways that Thayer’s Greek dictionary describes this word, that I think fits perfectly is “the seat of the feelings, desires, affections, and aversions.” It’s about laying down, my plans my ways, the way I would like to see things go. When I can say, not my will and I truly come to realize that it is really not about me.
Within all this I have also been really thinking about a song put out by Jason Upton. The song has a kind of hymn like sound to it, but I love the lyrics.
that leads to peace that leads to life
But few will follow
We’re at the crossroad
Which way will we go
There is not today a more holy way
than the steps that lead me to the cross
where my will can’t be the priority
and these crowns I’ve gained I count as loss
When I hear the spirit say
that this is the true King’s way
24Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.25For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.”
Matthew 16:24-25
So Jesus talking to his disciples tells them they must deny themselves, take up their crosses and follow him. I looked up the word deny in the Strong’s concordance.
G533ἀπαρνέομαι aparneomai (ap-ar-neh'-om-ahee) From G575 and G720; to deny utterly, that is, disown, abstain.
I find it really meaningful that it says to disown. I am not my own, I belong to God and am purchased by Jesus’ death on the cross. I am supposed to give up ownership of my life, and let God take control. But when we lay ourselves on the alter, as a living sacrifice, it is often hard to keep ourselves there. When I get uncomfortable, I tend to want to get off of the altar. But I must remember that I don’t own my life. Paul says it beautifully.
20I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.
Galatians 2:20
Oh, that I could say that about my life. But, there are so many times that I can’t. So much of the time, I want to be in control. I want to do what I want to do, not lay down my own thoughts and ideas. To do stuff that makes me feel a bit uncomfortable. Jesus not only says that we must deny our selves, and pick up our cross… but to not save our lives. That word for save is the word σώζω sōzō. I didn’t know that this word was used here for this. I have seen this word before, but because of it’s meaning. It has to do with healing, protecting or deliverance, and saving. A very interesting word, and normally used in the context of physical healings. It was reading in Wild at Heart that John brings up the word used is not the word bios (as in physical life) but is psuchē (looks like psyche hu?), which has to do with our soul life. I one of the ways that Thayer’s Greek dictionary describes this word, that I think fits perfectly is “the seat of the feelings, desires, affections, and aversions.” It’s about laying down, my plans my ways, the way I would like to see things go. When I can say, not my will and I truly come to realize that it is really not about me.
Within all this I have also been really thinking about a song put out by Jason Upton. The song has a kind of hymn like sound to it, but I love the lyrics.
The King’s Way
There is a roadthat leads to peace that leads to life
But few will follow
We’re at the crossroad
Which way will we go
There is not today a more holy way
than the steps that lead me to the cross
where my will can’t be the priority
and these crowns I’ve gained I count as loss
When I hear the spirit say
that this is the true King’s way
posted by Jacob at
3:10 AM
