What was the cross?

“Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” – Mark 8:34

This passage has been used to illustrate that we must suffer and carry a heavy load for God but I find this interpretation to be very inconsistent with the rest of scripture.

Why do I say that? Because to me the cross represents a complete shift and a key change in history and how an individual can relate to God!

This passage goes to the very heart of His Grace! I CANT DO ANYTHING – deny myself – admit that I need Him – admit that I feel shame, condemnation and I am totally inadequate to have a relationship with God on my own!

Take up my cross – the instrument of death and shame that radically changed forever how a sinful and shame based creature like myself could relate to God! The cross is now the Ultimate symbol of Love and The Love based relationship called Grace!

Follow Him! Not Law, or effort or pretty Sunday clothes and appearances – FOLLOW HIM! Follow Him to Love the unlovable and unlovely! Follow Him to no more condemnation and shame! Follow Him to Be who you were created to be!

This passage isn’t a call to struggle but a pleading to share in the Love Feast that comes from The Love based Relationship with God Almighty that Only Jesus Christ can bring you into!

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