- praise raises our focus
Powered by praise
The Bible teaches us about the power of praise, and I have experienced it firsthand in my own life. Today, we are looking at an Old Testament story from 2 Chronicles 20:1-24 about the power of praise.
We need to remember to take the Old Testament and relate it to our lives from a spiritual standpoint. In other words, what was a physical reality for the people of the Old Testament? We can apply their physical realities to our lives spiritually. In this particular story, we see that Jehoshaphat, King of Judah, and the people of Judah (God’s people) had a real physical enemy coming against them and surrounding them. We, too, have a real spiritual enemy that comes against us, and sometimes in life, we realize that our enemy surrounds us.
The Bible tells us that Jehoshaphat feared the battle, yet he focused on God. The reality is when the enemy comes against us; our natural inclination is fear. However, what we do with that fear hugely impacts our outcome. Following the example Jehoshaphat set for us sets us up for victory. While he feared the enemy coming against him and his people, he set his focus in another direction.
2 Chronicles 20:12. This verse reminds us of what we need to do when we realize our spiritual enemy has himself and his minions to attack us in some area of our lives.
”O our God, will You not judge them? For we have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You."
2 Chronicles 20:12
Our Focus is Key
Yes, Jehoshaphat experienced fear when he heard the enemy set out to attack, but he turned his focus to God rather than staying focused on the battle ahead. Focus is key when the battle comes because our natural tendency is to focus on the enemy and how he is working. We need to determine and demand intentionally our focus remain on the Lord.
Several years ago I faced a battle at work. Every outward appearance was that the situation was surrounded with darkness, with the enemy systematically destroying the credibility and favour He had provided for me (Remember in John 10:10, he only comes to steal, kill and destroy). When I looked at the situation, I saw sure defeat. Every day I waited for a call to come and collect my P45.
I was in a fight for reputation, fruitfulness and destiny. The enemy surrounded me. But I fought, day and night, on my knees and sometimes on my face.
At times fear threatened to overtake me. When I focused on the situation, hopelessness & defeat ruled my mind. When I focused on the Lord, truth, hope, & victory overcame my fears & my faith was strengthened.
Notice the plural personal pronouns WE, US, and OUR in 2 Chronicles 20:12.
”For WE have no power against this great multitude that is coming against US;
nor do WE know what to do, but OUR eyes are upon You."
2 Chronicles 20:12
We came through, a surprising champion came to the call, my character was not besmirched, my credibility was upheld, and the fruitfulness of God's provision was clear.
- its good to talk
powered by a pause
Pausing is something powerful and effective in meetings and conversations but also in life; in Psalms, King David often wrote Selah, pause, be still; in Psalm 46, He wrote, "Be still and know that I am God."
King Solomon knew about immature, foolish conduct and its consequences. At a young age, he asked God to give him a wise and discerning heart (1 Kings 3:9) — a request God granted. Although the Bible refers to him as wise (1 Kings 4:30), Solomon engaged in unwise behaviour throughout his life. Nonetheless, he wrote Ecclesiastes, rich in advice and application.
A key verse in Ecclesiastes 7:9, “Be not quick in your spirit to become angry, for anger lodges in the heart of fools,” I have often felt a similar weight of conviction.
Circumstances, instead of a good conscience, long dictated my response to whatever or whoever was around me. The idea to just “let live and let go” never crossed my mind. Instead, I spouted whatever popped into my head, ignoring the impact my words had on others and the damage they were to my testimony. I needed and wanted to change.
What does it mean to “P.A.U.S.E.”?
Practice Patience
Patience does not come naturally for most; we want what we want, and we want it yesterday. Waiting a few moments to react and remaining patient throughout an encounter can prevent a lifetime of regret.
Adjust our Attitude
A shift in perspective or change in attitude makes a world of difference in how we approach a situation. Instead of fists up, let’s open up and be willing to extend the olive branch now and again. We cannot control what happens to us, but we can control our response.
Understand the Situation
Shamefully, I have frequently inserted myself into situations without knowing all the facts. Before pouncing on a perceived injustice, we must examine all the angles, evaluate the facts, and sift out opinions and assumptions from the truth of the matter. Doing so diffuses potentially explosive speech that causes unnecessary offences.
Step Outside
Going outdoors works wonders; it immediately lifts my mood. Fresh air is like a balm that soothes my tumultuous temper. Perhaps stepping outdoors is not always an option, but try to remove yourself from the situation. A physical step back often provides mental clarity and emotional stability.
Explain Calmly
Unfortunately, during the conflict, rational thought frequently succumbs to negative emotion, making it difficult to form an appropriate response. Take time to calm down while employing the aforementioned strategies, and above all, invite the Holy Spirit into the conversation.
Running through these five steps, even if it’s only one, helps me dial back my emotions and adjust my attitude before I say something I’ll regret.
I confess that because of pride and arrogance, I’ve inserted unwelcomed opinions and insisted on having the last word, severing many relationships as a result. I no longer want to be that person. Instead, I strive to be a woman filled with and controlled by the Holy Spirit in all circumstances.
The world watches Christians. Our attitude must reflect Christ, not our culture or the one who has offended us. Next time you find yourself in a situation where tensions are high, tempers are hot, and tongues are heated, consider a “P.A.U.S.E.”
Heavenly Father, help us to “P.A.U.S.E.” before reacting. Help us to rein in our tempers and relinquish our pride so we speak words of love and peace. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Proverbs 15:4 says, “A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.” (ESV)
James 1:19-20, “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” (ESV)
- the river flows
Let the river flow
John 7:37-39 On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. “He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given because Jesus was not yet glorified.
Flowing from this week's ministry time
There is a fountain within you that, when you draw from it, will provide everything that you need. It is the river of My Spirit within you. I am the life-giving Spirit, the one who fills you to overflowing with my provision.
You will never thirst when you rely on My Spirit’s water of life. I am the Living Water, the Bread of Life; the Manna sent down from Heaven to do My Father’s will. Turn to Me and be filled with My life, sustenance, and ever-living Spirit. I will teach you all things; I will bring back to remembrance the things that you need to remember; I will help you, for I am all things to you.
There is no need or lack in Me; I am the Everlasting Father; the Prince of Peace; the Comforter, all in One; I am God. Learn to listen to My voice and follow My directions, and I will lead you and guide you into all peace and truth.
I provide a well of salvation for you to draw from. There is healing and deliverance in it; there is strength and understanding; there is hope and faith; there is life in abundance. The well of salvation flows from My Spirit within. Draw from it and be filled with a river that will flow freely from you to those around you.
Let My water of life flow freely through you to water the dry ground of your life. Open your heart to Me, and I will fill you to overflowing. Turn away from the distractions of the world and look unto Me for life; abundance, healing, prosperity, and wholeness.”
Tell the world of My salvation; tell the people of My river that they, too, may receive from Me! The great exchange has been made; their sin for My forgiveness; their sickness for My healing; their lack for My riches; all have been provided on the cross where I shed My blood.
All has been paid for and is freely given. Tell the people of so great a salvation that has been given to them. Warn them of the days ahead and share My love with them so they may be saved, healed and delivered from the kingdom of darkness. Tell the people how I paid the price for their salvation, for I am the Savior of the world!
- restoration at work
Being made whole
As Christians, we believe that true wholeness comes from a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. What it means to be made whole and how we can experience this in our lives.
Being made whole means being restored to our original design. In the beginning, God created us in His image and likeness (Genesis 1:27). However, sin entered the world and caused a separation between God and humanity. This separation resulted in brokenness in every aspect of our lives - physical, emotional, and spiritual. But through Christ, we can be reconciled to God and experience restoration in every area of our lives.
When we surrender our lives to God, we acknowledge that we cannot fix ourselves and that we need His help. In Matthew 16:25, Jesus said, "For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it." When we give up control and allow God to lead us, we experience His peace and joy, which leads to wholeness.
Forgiveness is essential in our journey towards wholeness because it frees us from the bitterness and resentment that comes with holding onto grudges. In Matthew 6:14-15, Jesus says, "For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins." Forgiveness is not always easy, but it is necessary if we want to be made whole.
Being made whole also involves healing from past hurts and traumas. Psalm 147:3 says, "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." God is in the business of healing and restoring us from the inside out. It's important to seek professional help if necessary, but we can also seek God's healing through prayer and reading His Word.
Being made whole is a journey that involves surrender, forgiveness, and healing. As we surrender our lives to God, forgive those who have hurt us, and allow God to heal our wounds, we experience the wholeness that comes from a relationship with Him. Let us continue to seek God's help in our journey towards being made whole.
- Kintsugi
Broken but restored
Sometimes life hits us, and it hits us hard. So hard, in fact, that it breaks us: divorce, the loss of a job, the death of a child, cancer, bankruptcy, abuse, neglect, and rejection. These and countless others can take a man or woman, no matter how strong they are, and shatter them on the floor like a vase. Brokenness is not beyond anyone. The right circumstances, at the wrong time, can break the best of us, but the Japanese art of Kintsugi shows us there is beauty and value in brokenness.
WHAT IS KINTSUGI?
We learned about this art form when Philippa Hanna visited us a few years ago; I was also reminded in a book by Dr David McDonald, Then. Now. Next.
The word Kintsugi is actually the combination of two words:
Kin tsugi
(Golden) (Joinery)
What Wiki says about Kintsugi:
Kintsugi is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with lacquer dusted or mixed with powdered gold, silver, or platinum, a method similar to the maki-e technique. It is believed to have appeared around the 15th century. As a philosophy, it treats breakage and repair as part of the history of an object rather than something to disguise.
TWO EXTREMES OF BROKENNESS
From what I have encountered over the years in ministry and coaching is that many people tend to live in one of two extremes. They are the following:
- People who wallow in their brokenness and never find healing for their pain.
- People who completely ignore or hide their brokenness until it eventually destroys them from the inside out.
For too long, we have glamorized the gouges and brokenness of our lives. We have fetishized our festering wounds. “Oh, woe is me! Look how terrible my life is! Life has broken me.” We tend to promote our damaged and baggage-filled lives like it’s a badge of honour.
We must stop trying to carry around the broken pieces of our lives and then still expect to have whole relationships with family, friends, and our communities.
Brokenness begets brokenness.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, you must stop trying to put on the tough façade, like you have it all together. The truth is many of you are shattered on the inside and have never faced the pain of those broken pieces because you are too scared of being cut again.
In either case, you have not allowed your wounds to heal; rather, you are trying to function with a gaping wound and fractional pieces of who you are called to be.
KINTSUGI AND JESUS
Kintsugi is a perfect presentation of the power of the gospel and a masterful metaphor for Jesus. The gospel is not just “the good news.” The original intent of the word gospel was “the rewards of the good news.”
Kintsugi shows us the power of creation, death, and resurrection in Christ. We were created as God‘s workmanship and were all broken because of sin, sins of our own, and sins committed against us.
We are all broken because of pain, abuse, addiction, rejection, father wounds, death, or many afflictions. We have all been dropped and shattered in some way in life. For some, the shards of the crushed vessel are bigger than others, but the brokenness is all the same.
But thank God that Jesus Christ is the gold that binds us back together. He makes us whole. He restores us. Because of His life, death, and resurrection, our life, death (brokenness), and resurrection gives us the ability to tell His story better.
The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. – Psalm 34:18
… provide for those who grieve…beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. – Isaiah 61:3
Yes, brokenness happens, but instead of being thrown away and tossed aside as is common in Western society, our lives are even more beautiful for having been broken.
You have to allow Jesus to be the artist and the gold to both heal you and make you whole. You have to allow Jesus to bind up the brokenness of your life, to heal the wounds, to make scars of gold.
SCARS
A scar represents a healed wound, a trauma that has been treated. They say, “Every scar has a story.”
You don’t have to walk around with the broken pieces of your life, nor do you have to sweep them under the rug in shame or stoicism.
In Christ, you can have scars instead of open wounds; and he doesn’t just bind you up. He binds you together with the gold that is His life.
Until we choose to allow Christ to heal the wound, our brokenness will be of no use.
A broken bowl holds nothing, but a kintsugi vessel has value and beauty.
And because of who Christ is and because of His power in our lives, we get to tell a greater story. The philosophy of Kintsugi tells shows us there is beauty in brokenness, and imperfections are not something to hide but to put on display when they have been healed by something more valuable than themselves.
Because of what we have gone through, because of what we have endured, because of brokenness, pain, and being dropped and shattered in life, we are now restored because of the gold that is Jesus Christ. We get to tell the story of Jesus in a way that is compelling and convincing because we were broken, and He has restored us. Just because you’ve been broken doesn’t mean you’re worthless. There is an artistry to be unveiled in the fragments and ashes.
When people ask about a scar, we can tell them the story of how God redeemed the brokenness. We can show the beauty of his redemptive and restorative power from those shattered parts of our lives.
We can point people to a healer and an artist.
We can point them to Jesus.
- lets celebrate easter, every day
Living as Easter People
We have made it through the grey months of winter and the desert of Lent! The Easter celebration has passed, the eggs have all been found, and alleluia has been shouted.
With the disciplines of Lent behind us, it can be tempting to return to life as “normal.” But as we hear Jesus tell the disciples in the first season of The Chosen, we are supposed to “get used to different.” Our families — filled with the joy of the resurrection — are called to become beacons of light in the world. As we juggle our busy calendars, how can we remain intentional about living in the joy of the risen Christ and continue sharing the Good News of salvation? Here are a few simple things we can do as families to keep living as an Easter people.
Practice Gratitude
It is so easy to succumb to focusing on the frustrations of life. Jesus tells us, though, that he has come to bring good news, to offer us salvation, and to give us life in abundance. We are reminded in St. Paul’s letter to the Colossians that whatever we do, we ought to do it in the name of Christ, giving thanks to God the Father. This Easter, practice making gratitude a central part of your family life. Incorporate it into your dinner table conversations. Include it as part of your evening prayer. Encourage everyone to begin their day with a prayer of thanksgiving. It can seem overly simple, but in these small acts, we can begin to create an innate posture of gratitude that helps us acknowledge even the smallest gifts of God in our lives and recognize him at work in the lives of others.
Action: Create a “blessings jar” in your home. Each evening, invite everyone to add a slip of paper that shares one thing they are thankful for that day. At the end of each month, go back and read through what has been shared to see how God has been present in your household's life.
Walk in Prayer
It is spring in Surrey, and the weather is finally getting warmer! Members of our Church family intentionally pray for our community by taking prayer walks through our neighbourhood. Praying for our neighbours doesn’t have to be scary! Take a walk around the local streets as a family and pray for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
Action: Get to know your neighbours if you don’t already. Learn their names, and intercede in prayer for them by name. As your relationship grows, be bold — ask them if there are things you can pray for specifically.
Spread Joy
We are called to be joyful missionary disciples; the importance of joy cannot be understated. Nobody likes a mood hoover for long. In fact, Mother Teresa of Calcutta wisely taught us that joy is a net of love by which we can capture souls. The joy and imagination of our children can certainly move hearts!
With your children, a little paint will keep them occupied for a long time, and they love sharing their creations with the world. Give them a mission project: paint rocks with short messages sharing the hope and joy of Christ to leave in public spaces around the neighbourhood. Make little cards to give out to neighbours. We never know who might need a sign — however small — that they are seen, loved and not alone. A bright and visible reminder might shine a sliver of light into someone’s darkness.
ACTION: Have the children assemble small care packages with an encouraging note, artwork and something fun like bubbles, a mini-puzzle or colouring book/crayons and see if you can drop them off at a local hospital, nursing home or care facility where residents might feel isolated.
Just some ideas to live as Easter people.
- make your way to the cross
A journey to the cross
Jesus’ Journey to the Cross was Difficult
First of all, it should be acknowledged that Jesus’ journey to the cross was difficult. This might seem so obvious that it is hardly worth saying, but I think it is good that we consider carefully the difficulty of Jesus’ journey.
I suppose it can be said that the whole of Jesus’ life was difficult. He was born in poverty. He was constantly opposed. Members of his own family did not at first believe in him. He was often a man on the run. The whole of Jesus’ life was characterized by difficulty. But here I wish to emphasize that Jesus’ final journey to the cross was exceptionally difficult.
We speak often of the fact that Jesus came to die for sinners. But notice that the death he died was not, what we would call, a natural death. He did not die of natural causes. He did not grow old for us. He did not succumb to illness for us. His life was not ended by way of, what we would call, an accident. No, he was put to death by sinful men.
Jesus’ Journey to the Cross was Lonely
Consider also the loneliness of Jesus’ journey. His journey to the cross was a lonely one.
Here I wish only to emphasize the fact that Jesus walked this difficult road alone.
Judas had already betrayed him. This we have seen.
And where are the majority of the eleven who remained? Most of them have all scattered, haven’t they? What Jesus predicted came true. He said to them in John 16:32, “Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone.” (John 16:32, ESV)
This is what happened.
Notice that Peter followed Jesus. I suppose he should be commended for this. He did have the courage to follow Jesus. But do you remember the conversation that Jesus had with Peter in the upper room after he washed the disciples feet? “Simon Peter said to him, ‘Lord, where are you going?’ Jesus answered him, ‘Where I am going you cannot follow me now, but you will follow afterward.’ Peter said to him, ‘Lord, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.’” (John 13:36–37, ESV) Peter claimed to be willing to follow Jesus to the point of death. And his actions revealed that he was serious about that. What did he do when Judas let that band of soldiers into the garden? He drew his sword and started swinging! He displayed courage, did he not? But it was an ignorant courage – a misguided courage. He insisted on walking the road with Jesus when Jesus had already made it clear that he could not. When Jesus was dragged before Annas and Caiaphas, Peter was there. This was risky, wasn’t it? He was putting his life at risk. He was courageous. But again, it was ignorant courage.
Evidently, Peter was still struggling to understand Christ’s mission, wouldn’t you agree? He could not, at this time, understand the way of the cross. He could not comprehend that victory would come to Jesus by way of suffering and death.
He walk with Jesus for a while, didn’t he? But eventually, he hit a wall. Peter, being questioned three times, denied our Lord three times. This was to fulfill what Christ had predicted. In John 13 “Jesus answered [Peter], ‘Will you lay down your life for me? Truly, truly, I say to you, the rooster will not crow till you have denied me three times.’” (John 13:38, ESV) This is what happened.
I’d like to show you something interesting about the story of Peter’s denial in John 18, if you are willing to listen. Matthew, Mark, and Luke all tell the story of Peter’s denial. But, as is often the case, they provide more detail than does John. They tell us more about what was asked of Peter by his accusers. They also tell us more about what Peter said when he denied Jesus. Mark, in particular, suggests that Peter grew more and more adamant in his denial with each question asked to the point of “[invoking] a curse on himself [saying], ‘I do not know this man of whom you speak.’” (Mark 14:71, ESV)
But what does John emphasize? How does he portray Jesus’ denial? He tells us that Peter denied Christ three times with the simple words, “I am not”. Verse 17: “The servant girl at the door said to Peter, ‘You also are not one of this man’s disciples, are you?’ He said, ‘I am not.’” (John 18:17, ESV) Verse 25, “Now Simon Peter was standing and warming himself…” (By the way, notice the repetition of this theme. Twice it is mentioned that Peter was warming himself by the fire. This may suggest that Peter was concerned about his own comfort in contrast to Christ’s selfless suffering. But it might also be an allusion to the Isaiah 50 passage that I read at the beginning, especially verse 11. I’ll leave that to you to ponder) But as they stood around the fire “they said to [Peter], ‘You also are not one of his disciples, are you?’ He denied it and said, ‘I am not.’” (John 18:25, ESV) This happened a third time, and then the rooster crowed.
So why is it significant that John simply uses the words “I am not” to describe Peter’s denial of Jesus, whereas the other Gospels tell us more? Think with me for a moment. How has Jesus identified himself throughout the Gospel of John? Has he not consistently referred to himself by the words “I am”? “I am the door”; “I am the bread of life”. “I am the light of the world”. “Before Abraham was, I am”, and so on. And even in the immediate context, we see that when Judas and the soldiers came to find Jesus in the garden and said that it was Jesus of Nazareth that they were seeking, how did he respond except with the words “I am”? In English it is “I am he”, but in greek, it is simply ἐγώ εἰμι – “I am”.
So that is the pattern in John. Jesus consistently reveals himself as the “I am”. Clearly, this alludes to the divine name given to Moses at the burning bush, but it also communicates that Jesus is the one. He is the anointed one, the long-awaited Messiah. He alone is the one who can atone for sins.
Tell me this, church. How has Peter been acting up to this point? He has been acting as if he is. He has been acting as if he could contribute to Christ’s work – as if he could walk with Christ, and even die with Christ. He at first would not let Jesus wash his feet. He claimed to be willing to die with Jesus. He drew his sword and began to fight. And he followed Jesus to Caiaphas’ headquarters. Courageous? Indeed! But oh so misguided.
It is here that Peter finally comes to an end of himself. His flesh could take him so far, but he could go no further. He finally admits “I am not.”
Jesus’ Journey to the Cross was Necessary
Brothers and sisters, Jesus’ journey to the cross were indeed difficult and lonely (he was abandoned by men, but the Father was with him), but it was necessary. Only he could make the journey. Only he could walk that road and drink the cup that the Father had given him to drink. He was uniquely called, uniquely anointed, and uniquely qualified to suffer and die and rise again on the third day for your sins and mine, and for all who trust in him in every age, and in every place.
There is one other figure in this passage that we have not talked about yet and we should do so briefly before we conclude. Look at verse 15. It says, “Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple. Since that disciple was known to the high priest, he entered with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest…” (John 18:15, ESV) Who do you think these other disciples is? Certainly, this is John! He never names himself in his Gospel, but he appears in the narrative from time to time. Here he is called “another disciple”. In John 20 he is called “the other disciple”. He is the one who outruns Peter to the tomb. In John 21 he is “the disciple whom Jesus loved”. He is always appearing anonymously and as a kind of contrast to Peter.
Why? It seems to me that John, though he, like Peter, was willing to follow Jesus (he did not deny like Judas nor run away like the other nine) he followed in the right way. He followed, not in an attempt to rescue Jesus, and not in an attempt to add anything to the work of Christ as if that were possible. No, he simply followed and observed. He watched Jesus do the work that only Jesus could do. John, unlike Peter at this point in his life, was willing to be served by Jesus. He was willing to be loved by Jesus. That was his boast! Not that he loved Jesus, but that Jesus loved him, and gave himself up for him through his death on the cross.
This seems to me to be the most crucial question of all. Will you have Jesus as your crucified Lord? Will you allow Jesus to serve you? Will you confess that you are needy – not able to add a thing to the work of Christ, but only able to receive that which he has graciously provided for you through his death, burial, and resurrection?
This is how we must come to Christ. We must repent and believe in Jesus. We must come to terms with our needs and cast ourselves complexly at the feet of Jesus, trusting in him alone for the forgiveness of sins. And brothers and sisters, this is what we must do throughout the Christian life in every circumstance. We must confess our need – confess our brokenness – and run to Jesus who is the author and perfecter of our faith.
- ready to take up your cross
What does it mean to take up your cross?
After writing about Peter’s declaration that Jesus is the Messiah, Mark adds, “from that time on, Jesus began to explain” some things to His disciples. While preparing them for His coming crucifixion, He also spoke to them about their own cross.
He left no doubt about what discipleship meant: “Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me’” (Matthew 16:24). The disciples were part of the “crowd“ that followed Jesus, and it was to all of them that the Master spoke those words.
Jesus gave them all a word picture that they likely understood better in those ancient times than Christ-followers do today. No doubt many in the multitudes — even the disciples — believed Jesus was about to bring a glorious and powerful kingdom to earth. Some in the crowds had already drifted away; they were only following Jesus for the miracles and meals anyway, and His teachings grew more puzzling. But those who remained misunderstood God’s timetable for prophecy, so they were likely shocked to hear Jesus’ words.
What Does Matthew 16:24 Mean?
Was “cross-bearing” different in Jesus' day than today? Why did Jesus use such a tough metaphor to describe discipleship?
Two thousand years ago, Romans forced convicts to carry their rugged, wooden crosses to their own place of execution. As they bore the crosses of crucifixion, crowds laughed and ridiculed them. Today, except perhaps in rare cases in some third-world countries, people do not carry wooden crosses to their death, but Jesus’ meaning went beyond that tool of execution anyway. His statement to the disciples involved self-denial, surrender, and servanthood.
1. Self-denial
Jesus said we must first deny ourselves. In today’s terms, it’s called “dying to self.” Many Christians only vaguely understand the concept but know the “self” can cause problems. Some believe that simply by denying ourselves material goods, accomplishments, or meaningful things, this will make us better recruits for discipleship. Maybe, but it’s more than that.
By “self,” Jesus wasn’t referring to a person’s personal identity. God created each of us, and we are beautifully and uniquely known to Him. The “self” Jesus referenced is the sinful, rebellious, unredeemed self — the fleshly and corrupt “old self.” Paul recognized this “self” when he said, “I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh” (Romans 7:18). At salvation, we are clothed in the “new self” of righteousness (Eph. 4:24), but there is still no goodness in ourselves. Self-denial includes rejection of self-sufficiency and self-will.
Jesus calls us to crucify — to put to death — our own plans and desires. We’re to stop trying to gratify the flesh. Jesus further calls people to face the potential loss of family, friends, reputation, material goods, career, and personal dreams in following Him — perhaps to even face martyrdom. Jesus didn’t say we would face all these losses or death, but only that we sincerely needed to be willing to lose all things for His sake. It wasn’t and still isn’t a popular message.
2. Surrender
Jesus said we must take up our cross. Our taking up is really a matter of bowing down. Jesus never hid the cost of discipleship. He calls us to bow in absolute surrender to Him. This isn’t a mystical deeper life activity for some spiritual super-elite; it’s for all who desire to follow the Lord. It’s for anyone willing to count the cost of bearing His reproach.
Surrendering is easy when life runs smoothly, but surrendering to God’s will can be more difficult during struggles and trials. Jesus said we would face many troubles (John 16:33). We will likely suffer in some way as we follow in His footsteps.
Taking up our cross means sacrifice, laying everything on the altar. It’s not a half-hearted commitment; it is a full surrender to God’s terms of discipleship. It’s a choice to live out the truth that we are “crucified with Christ” (Galatians 2:20), even if it means shame, rejection, or persecution. It means being willing to share in the sufferings of Christ — and it’s a choice to be made daily.
3. Servanthood
Jesus said we must follow Him. The disciples were called individually, leaving family, friends, and occupations to follow Jesus. No doubt in the crowd, as Jesus spoke that day some had still not come to Him for salvation. In calling people to salvation, Jesus called them to a life of loyal obedience and service. He clarified the terms: if we don’t deny ourselves, carry our cross, and follow Jesus, we cannot be His disciple (Luke 14:27).
There is no such thing as a no-cost, no-sacrifice form of discipleship. The hymnist wrote, “Must Jesus bear the cross alone, and all the world go free? No, there’s a cross for everyone, and there’s a cross for me.” Discipleship requires service to the Master and obedience to His will. The Lordship of Christ becomes the daily reality of the believer’s life. It’s clear cut in Scripture. The true disciple will live like and ultimately resemble the Master, and those who do not desire to do the will of the Father cannot rightly call Him “Lord” (Matthew 7:21).
- an eternal message
The cross speaks
God foretold the crucifixion of Jesus Christ upon a cross in the Old Testament hundreds of years before it happened. The cross was, to the Romans and the Jews of the day, a symbol of death. However, it was this very instrument of torture and death upon which God would sacrifice His only begotten Son for the sins of the world.
The Bible says, "But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him, and with his stripes, we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way, and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all." (Isaiah 53:5-6).
The New Testament, speaking of Jesus Christ, states, "Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree... " (1 Peter 2:24). "For he (The Father) hath made him (Jesus Christ) to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him." (2 Corinthians 5:21)
You see, the Lord Jesus Christ died on the cross in our place to die for our sins! We, who deserve to die (Ezekiel 18:4) and spend eternity in hell (Romans 3:23; Romans 6:23; Revelations 20:14), can receive forgiveness of sin and salvation afforded by the payment of Jesus Christ on the cross and receiving Him alone as Saviour by faith.
"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and not that of yourselves: it is the GIFT of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." (Ephesians 2:8,9). "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." (Romans 10:13).
The Bible assures us that Jesus Christ arose from the grave in victory over sin! "For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died fr our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures" (I Corinthians 15:3,4).
He took the symbol of torture and death and turned it into a symbol of hope and eternal life! The Lord no longer hangs on a cruel cross, sleeps in a borrowed tomb, and occupies a Heavenly throne (Colossians 3:1) from which He offers eternal life to all who will come to Him!
If the cross should speak, it would proclaim the gospel message of salvation, full and free, by grace through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ!
Powered by a song
Few believers understand the power of song. Worship is not just a “warm-up” to the sermon. Singing opens the way for an increase of the Holy Spirit’s overflow in us, as well as an unfolding of discernment regarding His will in our lives. It is by the creative capacity of speech and song given to us by God that man has, among other ways, been glorified above other creatures. The mime of birds is not self-initiated speech. We speak of birds singing, but what we call singing, as lovely as it may be, is not song.
The song is a powerful instrument because it is so basic to worship. When it is worked out in the experience of our daily life, it becomes a manifestly powerful means of sustenance, triumph, creativity, deliverance and ongoing growth and development in the way of the Lord.
A sense of inadequacy about the quality of one’s voice can cripple a believer into fear of singing or entering boldly into worship.
The world causes us to draw comparisons, but to the Lord, there is a distinct beauty to everything He’s created. When it comes to the matter of our singing voice, if we will exercise and be faithful in the few things God has given us, He says He will make us rulers over many. People who sing praise and don’t worry about how it sounds will begin to see the glory of the Lord begin to break forth in their voice.
Don’t allow the spirit of this world to stifle the song God wants to bring from your lips. His Word says there is no sound that is without significance (1 Corinthians 14:10). Ask the Lord to make you an anointed singer of praise and quit labouring with the matter of how you think it sounds.
What is described in Isaiah 54:1-5 which begins, “Sing, O barren… Break forth into singing, and cry aloud.” The church had been “barren.” And the experience opened my understanding that song is a Kingdom key to the release of Jesus’ life and power among His people for:
The song is life-begetting. It is a natural means of uniting together, a beautiful means of praise and worship, and a powerful means of challenging darkness and declaring the truth. This isn’t simply poetry; it’s God’s Word for you.