Spurgeon Series Part Tres (3)

My community group has been studying the book of Matthew and a while ago we arrived at Matthew 16:24, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me". After looking at the passage in context, it was revealed that "taking up your cross" is voluntary. It is not something that is thrust upon you. You, by choice, pick it up and carry it with the free will to put it down at any time. That is the beauty in it! Great saints who have encountered much trial followed their Master enduring much pain because they loved Him and knew His worth, wisdom, mercy and grace. They loved greatly because He loves infinitely first.

Here is a beautiful picture from Spurgeon of holding to the cross that you may be led by Christ:

Take Up His Cross
Matt 16:24

Is the cross that you are carrying pressing heavy? You will be like your Master; someone will be found to help you. They found Simon to carry Jesus' cross (Matt. 27:32), and God has a Simon somewhere for you. Just cry to the Lord and He will find you a friend.

I believe that Simon found that carrying the cross was a blessed occupation. When the soldiers forced Simon to carry the cross, Simon might have gone his own way or been lost in the crowd. But now he is near Jesus.

As they lifted the cross on Simon's shoulders, he looked at Jesus and saw the crown of thorns, the bloody sweat, the lacerations, the bruises. That face, that matchless face, was majesty blended with misery, innocence with agony, love with sorrow. Simon would never have seen that countenance or marked the form of the Son of man so clearly if he has not been called to take up that cross. It is amazing how much we see Jesus when we suffer or work for Him.

The cross held Simon in Christ's steps. Do you get it? If Jesus carried the front part of the cross and Simon followed, then his feet has to follow the Master's. Dear friend, the cross is a wonderful implement for keeping us in the way of our Lord.

Believing child of God, I pray that today you will be compelled to carry the cross, that you will have closer and more precious fellowship with Him. "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me".