COCIN Devotional TAKE UP YOUR CROSS MONDAY 24TH APRIL 2023

SUB-THEME: THE CROSS OF JESUS.

TEXT: MATTHEW 16:24; LUKE 9:23-27.

MATTHEW 16:24

24 Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone wants to follow me, he must deny himself, pick up his cross, and follow me continuously. Mat 10:38 Mar 8:34 Luk 9:23 Luk 14:27 [Act 14:22] [2Ti 3:12]

LUKE 9:23-27.

23 Then he told all of them, “If anyone wants to come with me, he must deny himself, pick up his cross every day, and follow me continuously, Mat 10:38 Mat 16:24 Mar 8:34 Luk 14:27

24 because whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. Mat 10:39 Mat 16:25 Mar 8:35 Luk 17:33 Joh 12:25

25 What profit will a person have if he gains the whole world, but destroys himself or is lost? [Mat 16:26]

26 If anyone is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and the holy angels. Mat 10:33 Mar 8:38 Luk 12:9 2Ti 2:12 1Jn 2:23 [Mat 10:32]

27 I tell you with certainty, some people who are standing here won’t experience death until they see the kingdom of God.” Mat 16:28 Mar 9:1

MESSAGE:

The Christian life has a price attached to it. Carrying your cross daily is a requirement for every Christian. Jesus in our readings reminded his disciples of this truth. Every disciple of Christ must take the following serious:

(i) deny self

(ii) take up your cross daily and

(iii) follow Christ devotedly.

Those who do so crucify the flesh and the evil desires of the world.

Are you taking your cross daily?

Doing so gives you victory over the flesh, šin, Satan and the world. It also requires discipline and sacrifice, such praying as reading the Bible, and fasting, fellowshipping with the believers, witnessing Christ to the dying world and giving your resources for the work of God. If Jesus took his cross, then you should do likewise.

REFLECTION:

There is gain in crucifying the flesh.

PRAYER:

Lord Jesus, strengthen me to keep taking my cross. Amen.

MEMORY VERSE FOR THE MONTH: HEBREWS 12:2

“…who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God”.

TODAY’S READING PLAN: 2 CHRONICLES 13-16.