THE CRUCIFIED, CROSS-BEARING CHRISTIAN
January 18, 2025
TEXT:”I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20 (KJV)
Beloved, as Christians, we are called to follow in the footsteps of our Lord Jesus Christ. This means embracing a lifestyle of self-denial and selflessness, as we seek to become more like Him. In Galatians 2:20, the Apostle Paul writes that he is crucified with Christ, indicating a complete surrender of his own desires and interests to the will of God.
To be a true disciple of Jesus Christ, we must be willing to take up our cross and follow Him (Matthew 16:24). This means denying ourselves and our own selfish desires, and instead seeking to live a life that is pleasing to God. As Jesus taught, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me” (Matthew 16:24).
Self-denial and selflessness are essential conditions for true discipleship. When we deny ourselves and take up our cross, we are demonstrating our commitment to follow Jesus, no matter the cost. This is not always easy, but it is necessary for spiritual growth and maturity.
As we seek to become more like Christ, let us remember that our lives are no longer our own. We have been bought with a price, and we are called to live for God’s glory (1 Corinthians 6:20). May we be willing to surrender our lives to Him, and to live a life of self-denial and selflessness, as we follow in the footsteps of our crucified, cross-bearing Lord.
Furthermore, as we take up our cross and follow Jesus, we can expect to experience a deeper sense of purpose and meaning in our lives. We will begin to see that our lives are not our own, but are instead a gift from God to be used for His glory. This realisation will bring us joy and fulfilment, as we seek to live a life that is pleasing to Him.
SEARCHLIGHT
True discipleship requires self-denial and selflessness. When we take up our cross and follow Jesus, we are demonstrating our commitment to live for God’s glory.
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, I desire to follow You and to live a life that is pleasing to You. Help me to deny myself and take up my cross, that I may experience the joy and fulfilment that comes from living for Your glory.
BIBLE READING
Numbers 25-27, Acts 12
PST. MICHAEL OMOLE
