Jesus didn’t carry the cross to gain our love, but because He loved the Father.
Jesus knew the cross was obedience in the Father’s love and would express His own unquenchable love for all of us. For you.
But the cross didn’t bring joy — Jesus did it for Joy. Joy that only could be the praise and open approval of God the Father.
Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:2)
The power of that love was so pure it caused the resurrection of True Love. What God had planned for us to experience all along. From the Genesis garden to the Garden of Gethsemane, the world ached for this kind of love and joy to return. The relationship could finally be restored and Jesus would then have Joy.
If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. (Matthew 16:24)
What if we carried our cross like we are asked to? That very thing we are avoiding because we don’t enjoy it, feel like it’s beneath us, or figure we aren’t cut out for it. . . is the very thing necessary to restore a relationship with Love and have Joy.
Our friends will notice when we die for them. Our spouse will feel loved when we finally do that one thing he really would really appreciate, all the while not complaining. Do everything without complaining.
I am able to love — doing taxes when numbers aren’t my jam, scrubbing toilets when there are more holy items on my to-do list, cuddling a child when I need alone time, preparing a meal when I’m tired. But God, please let me not carry my cross to get love. But because I love the person it matters to, I carry my cross in all the everyday ways, the private ways and the mundane ways and become the love. And then Love pours out of me.
I carry my cross and die a little more to myself.
I carry my cross and complain less.
I carry my cross and grow closer to the Father because that’s the only path to Him.
I carry my cross and see the Joy set before me.
I carry my cross and can forgive those who hate me.
The Joy set before Jesus was us. The full measure of Jesus’ joy is His desire for those who belong to Him.
Knowing that we were Jesus’ ultimate glory reward, and experiencing all the overwhelming feelings associated with being that loved, reminds us how those we love will feel a small portion of that joy when we carry our cross every day in obedience and focus our gaze on God the Father.
Jesus’ joy teaches us to look beyond present discomfort to lasting triumph. It is the joy of God’s presence.
For the Joy that is set before us. Will you pick up your cross and follow Jesus?
Leave a Comment
Summer Rae says
Miss Stephanie,
Thank you for this post; especially on a day when I feel a little… tired. I just want to thank you for the gentle reminder and encouragement to continuously pick up my cross. It is not about me but rather serving my Heavenly Father the best that I can. Everything He does in our life has a purpose and sometimes we aren’t meant to know what that is just yet… it is definitely a daily practice to take it to the LORD first and foremost. Thank you again and I pray your day is blessed.
This side of Heaven,
Summer Rae
Karen says
Dear Summer, (love your name)
The line in your post “everything He does in our life has a purpose and sometimes we aren’t meant to know what that is just yet..” touched my heart. Trust and faith walk hand in hand and that was a gentle reminder to me that God is in control. I committed that line to memory and wrote it in my journal so on days when my cross feels heavy it will renew my spirit and lift my burden. I also loved how you signed your post “this side of Heaven.” What a great article and meaningful comment.
Thank you both!
Karen
Summer Rae says
Dearest Miss Karen,
I am so grateful that I was able to offer any encouragement to you and in return you have encouraged me; I love being able God’s love and amazing grace! I pray that you are continually strengthened and comforted by our Heavenly Father and that you have a blessed day.
This side of Heaven,
Summer Rae
Penny says
Summer Rae,
I pray that you’ll have renewed energy.
Have a blessed day,
Penny
Summer Rae says
Miss Penny,
Thank you so much for your kind words. I pray you have restored energy as well and that your day is blessed!
This side of Heaven,
Summer Rae
Penny says
Stephanie,
Your post was comforting, thank-you for your words.
Have a blessed day,
Penny
Tianna says
God hears us! Just last night my husband and i were taking about the 1 thing we need from the other in this challenging season of our life. He said for me to be happy. 10 years ago i would have faked my happy, that was NOT easy to do but i was good at it. But last night, after hearing his request I chose to stusy out joy this week. To pray for it, look for it, soak it up and spread it around….. and then this morning THIS message! God works. He loves me and was giving me a little affirmation that I NEED to seek not only to have joy but to CHOOSE joy. Thank you for this message, it was timed perfectly for me and has started my Monday off well.
Ashley says
“Please do not let me carry my cross to get love..”. Thank you for this line. A good reminder for me as God is working on my addiction to people pleasing.. and I’m glad you emphasized having the right motives for serving.
Sandra says
Beautiful! Needed this to remind me that it isn’t always about what is easiest and most natural to do. It is about reaching and stretching beyond ourselves to be a blessing to others and ultimately to God. Thank you
Serena says
So encouraging and well said. Thank you for the beautiful reminder that we ‘do’ because we ‘love’ not to get love or any other wrong reasons. Truly Jesus demonstrated the unconditional love that we all don’t deserve, just because He loves and obeys the Father as well as us. Again, thank you for such a good reminder as we’re nearing Easter. Shalom sister!
Beth Williams says
Stephanie,
This post reminds me of a Stephen Curtis Chapman song “Do Everything”. In it he talks about mundane jobs like flipping burgers, picking up toys, sweeping floor, etc. and doing it to the Glory of God because He made you. I have carried my cross for 3.5 years-caring for my aging dad-even quitting a full-tie job. He had many health issues including severe dementia. It wasn’t always easy or fun, but I knew it had to be done. On March 15, 2017 God allowed me to lay my cross down and rest. My dad died that day. I mourn for him some, but am happy that he is no longer suffering and in the arms of Jesus with my mom.
Blessings 🙂
Ashley says
This convicted me! Today I cuddled a baby when I needed alone time, I cooked a meal when I was tired, and I failed in the “joy” department, I definitely didn’t serve my family without complaining, and I’ve been doing that too much lately! Thanks for the reminder, I needed it!
JK says
Thank you, I needed this! I’m a tired mama who just feels overwhelmed. Trying to figure out how to serve my kids, my husband and Jesus all without complaining.