Cross Purpose

Christ Carrying the Cross (detail)

Titian, 1560

^{Psalm 22:23-31}

You who fear the LORD, give praise! All you of Jacob's line, give glory.

     Stand in awe of the LORD, all you offspring of Israel.

For the LORD does not despise nor abhor the poor in their poverty;

neither is the LORD's face hidden from them;

     but when they cry out, the LORD hears them.

From you comes my praise in the great assembly;

     I will perform my vows in the sight of those who fear the LORD.

The poor shall eat and be satisfied,

     Let those who seek the LORD give praise!

     May your hearts live forever!   

All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the LORD;

     all the families of nations shall bow before God.

For dominion belongs to the LORD,

     who rules over the nations.

Indeed, all who sleep in the earth shall bow down in worship;

     all who go down to the dust, though they be dead,

     shall kneel before the LORD.

Their descendants shall serve the LORD,

     whom they shall proclaim to generations to come.

They shall proclaim God's deliverance to a people yet unborn,

     saying to them, "The LORD has acted!" 

As we anticipate this Second Sunday in Lent, please consider what it means for you to take up your cross and follow Jesus. I've been asking people all week that very question. I've asked it, too, of my self.

The gospel reading this Sunday from Mark includes the first time that the word cross is mentioned in that account. Jesus says:

If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me (Mark 8:34).

We all know what it means to bear a burden or shoulder a load. Specifically, what does cross bearing look like in our lives. What is the purpose?

Since I'm on the rebound from carpal tunnel surgery, I'm going to stop typing anymore here. Please take the time to consider what it means for you to take up your cross and follow Jesus.  Meanwhile, may we prepare our hearts and minds for worship this Sunday.  See you there!