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“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”
- Matthew 16.24
...this is the truth of the gospel, that the true disciples of Christ crucified should follow Him with the cross.
- Columbanus, Letter to His Disciples, Irish, 7th century
What should we expect as the “normal road” of following Jesus?
He Himself could not be more clear: self-denial, suffering, and sacrifice for others. Discipleship is a hard slog, my friends; don’t let anyone tell you it should be anything other than that. Jesus did not promise us comfort and convenience; He promised us grace sufficient for all our needs, but only as long as we follow where He leads.
He leads in the way of service, giving to others, going the extra mile, considering others and their needs above our own – dying to self so that Jesus might live through us to others (Jn. 13.1-15). He leads in the way of righteousness, along a path marked out by the commandments of God (1 Jn. 2.1-6). And He leads us to proclaim the Kingdom of God, which He has brought near (Matt. 4.17).
Where are the followers of Jesus today? What would a cross on your back look like each day? Is the pursuit of holiness your daily quest? How often does the Kingdom of God show up on your lips?
If we follow Jesus only as far as is convenient, or only so long as our comfort is not jeopardized, then would we dare to consider this a cross-bearing, law-keeping, Kingdom-proclaiming life?
Our unbelieving neighbors and friends will believe we have found the truth when we are willing to give up everything they consider precious in order to follow Jesus in the path of self-denial, sacrifice, holiness, and witness. Then again, they may despise us as we do, just as they despised Jesus. They may even take advantage of us, scorn, or belittle us.
But then, at least, we will know we are the followers of the Lord, when we share in His suffering. For then we will see as He did the joy that is set down before us as true disciples indeed (Heb. 12.1, 2).
So let us all in our Savior confide, and in His holy Law abide.
Let us observe His glorious Word, and praise our sovereign, faithful Lord!
Lord, under no trials, no toils, and no troubles let me fail to follow wherever You lead. Adapted from Columbanus, Sermon IV
T. M. Moore, Principal
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