DAILY MANNA
MONDAY 23RD MARCH, 2020
FOLLOWING THE WAY OF THE CROSS
TEXT:MATTHEW 10:34-42
KEY VERSE: “And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me” (MATTHEW 10:38).
The producer of "Living in Bondage" is now a believer in Jesus Christ. He recently produced a film titled _"Eternity So Near,"_ where he painted a picture of the heavenly race. People chose between two roads leading to different crosses. The road that led to the cross of Calvary, where Jesus died, had few people treading it. However, the road to another cross, where all forms of evil were permitted, had many thronging it.
In the text, Jesus emphatically announced that He came to send a sword, not peace, and to set at variance family members against one another. Children who love their parents more than Christ and those who do not take their cross and follow after Him are not worthy of Him.
After the thrills of conversion subside, the baby Christian soon finds that the Christian life is filled with bumps, potholes and detours. He has to choose between familial love and his love for Christ. The challenge of remaining a Christian soon becomes overwhelming; leaving him with the choice of who to follow - his family or Jesus.
Everyone born into this world is a follower of a particular pattern of life. Many follow ideology, philosophy, religion, fashion or even a model. However, Jesus calls you from that pattern to Himself, the Shepherd and Bishop of your soul. It is a call to cross-bearing, uncompromising consecration, self-denial, doing deeds of mercy, servanthood, compassion, humility and faith in Him.
Jesus has promised that those who follow Him will reign with Him, receive hundredfold of what they have forsaken and inherit everlasting life (Matthew 19:28, 29). As we go through life, we should allow the image of Calvary remain with us. Bear the cross daily.THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Laying down Jesus’ cross leads to ruin.
THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:DEUTERONOMY 10-12
