If someone says to you, "Take this," you are given the choice of taking it or not. Jesus said, "Take up your cross" and "Take this yoke and put it on." Not alluring offers - until you see the truth that they are the best offers you will ever have. Taking up a cross and a yoke from God means the God of the universe lives within you. It means you will know you can talk with him any time and He is right there. It means your soul will be saved forever and death means nothing.
"Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me." Luke 9:23
When persons were condemned to be crucified, a part of the sentence was that they should carry the cross on which they were to die to the place of execution. Thus, Christ carried his, until he fainted from fatigue and exhaustion. See notes at Matthew 27:31. The cross was usually composed of two rough beams of wood, united in the form of this figure of a cross It was an instrument of death. See the notes at Matthew 27:31-32. To carry it was burdensome, was disgraceful, was trying to the feelings, was an addition to the punishment. So "to carry the cross" is a figurative expression, denoting that we must endure whatever is burdensome, or is trying, or is considered disgraceful, in following Christ. It consists simply in doing our duty, let the people of the world think of it or speak of it as they may. It does not consist in making trouble for ourselves, or doing things merely "to be opposed;" it is doing just what is required of us in the Scriptures, let it produce whatever shame, disgrace, or pain it may. This every follower of Jesus is required to do.
http://bible.cc/matthew/10-38.htm
"Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." Matthew 11:29
It refers here to the religion of the Redeemer; and the idea is, that they should embrace his system of religion and obey him. All virtue and all religion imply "restraint" - the restraint of our bad passions and inclinations - and subjection to laws; and the Saviour here means to say that the restraints and laws of his religion are mild, and gentle, and easy.
http://bible.cc/matthew/11-29.htm
Taking something offered is a voluntary act. God never forces Himself on anyone. I pray all of us will say yes to God today.
5 comments:
At times I wish that God would "force" Himself in some areas of my life.... Needing that extra push. Blessings to you Belle.
Pretty nice post. I just stumbled upon your weblog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed browsing your blog posts.
After all I'll be subscribing to your rss feed and I hope you write again soon!
My site - relevant internet site
We should try every day to follow in the footsteps of Jesus!
Hi everyone and thanks for dropping by. It is nice to meet you Anonymous. I will come visit!
Real- I think we have to be patient with ourselves. Growth is a slow process in nature and in people.
Yes God is patient! Sometimes He gives you a wake up call or a little push! Sometimes God snaps me out of being rebellious in anger or anxiety!
But coming to Christ is a relationship of full love. Jesus is love! Love Jesus! YAY!
Hugs Belle ♥
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