We grow under the load into kings and priests of God's design

Then Jesus called the crowd, along with his disciples, and said to them, "If anyone wants to become my follower, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me." — Mark 8:34 NET

by Alexander Smellie

The cross which my Lord bids me take up and carry may assume different shapes. I may have to content myself with a lowly and narrow sphere, when I feel that I have capacities for much higher work. I may have to go on cultivating year after year, a field which seems to yield me no harvests whatsoever. I may be bidden to cherish kind and loving thoughts about someone who has wronged me—be bidden speak to him tenderly, and take his part against all who oppose him, and crown him with sympathy and succor. I may have to confess my Master amongst those who do not wish to be reminded of Him and His claims. I may be called to “move among my race, and show a glorious morning face,” when my heart is breaking.

There are many crosses, and every one of them is sore and heavy. None of them is likely to be sought out by me of my own accord. But never is Jesus so near me as when I lift my cross, and lay it submissively on my shoulder, and give it the welcome of a patient and unmurmuring spirit.

He draws close, to ripen my wisdom, to deepen my peace, to increase my courage, to augment my power to be of use to others, through the very experience which is so grievous and distressing. And then — as I read on the seal of one of those Scottish Covenanters whom Claverhouse imprisoned on the lonely Bass, with the sea surging and sobbing round — I grow under the load.

Selah.

Wisdom: Use your cross as a crutch to help you on, and not as a stumblingblock to cast you down.

The cross creates in us a weight of glory that will far exceed the worst burdens of this earth — so weighty, in fact, that in comparison, the worst frenzies of earth will be but light and momentary things. In faith, we grow under the load — inner light, inner glory that can only match eternal life, and only fully be expressed in glory. Champions of faith, living into forever...

Note: The story behind the intro picture can be found here: http://www.laetificatmadison.com/2012/06/two-thumbs-up-for-carrying-the-cross-with-jesus/