“Then Jesus said to them all, ‘If anyone wants to follow after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of me will save it’.”

– Luke 9:23-24

In this Scripture, Jesus is likely directly speaking to his disciples in more of a private setting. He has just declared to them that He is the Messiah sent from Heaven, and He will have to suffer many things for the good of mankind. 

Jesus explains to his disciples that following Him is not always going to be easy. He asks them if they are willing to sacrifice their lives for Him, like He will eventually do for them. 

Taking up our cross daily is not always easy, as our schedules tend to stay overfilled and at times we can feel overwhelmed by God’s asking for our continuous obedience. But, as children of God, we are called to be a living sacrifice for the Lord. Jesus simply asks us to be willing to be used by Him, and follow after His will for our lives daily. 

This week’s praise is the opportunity we have to follow Jesus and experience life with Him. 

When we choose to take up our own cross and follow Him, we are called to die to our own selfish desires and give Him our life. By giving Jesus everything, we will find that there is no other thing, person, or place that can provide as much life, peace, and joy, as He will. 

This week, let us remember to take up our cross daily and follow Him with each aspect of our lives, for the benefits of following after God with all whole heart and life lead to never ending peace and joy. 

Dear God, thank You for sending Your Son Jesus to share this Scripture with us. Thank You for the opportunity we have to follow You and find true life with You. Please help us to take up our cross daily and follow after You with our whole heart. Amen.