Taking up a cross means that you are going to be wounded. The wounds will end up being fatal. You will die, but you will live again. Your loss will be your gain. This is more than a sterile religious experience. Crosses get ugly. It will affect your psyche at the deepest levels of who you are. You will think you are “done for.” But a better day, and new life will follow these dyings. Life in this fallen world is made up of crosses. Jesus knew that when He entered it. He showed us how to do it. Those who do not run from their crosses will discover a reborn life through sanctified suffering.
“Take up your cross and follow me,” said our crucified Messiah.
