Mark 8:34 (KJV) And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

Here we see three things that the LORD requires of us if we want to follow Him:

1. Deny ourself – see following-jesus-christ-part-1
2. Take up our cross
3. Follow Him following-jesus-christ-part-3

Let’s us look at the second one today. What is taking up our cross?
It is decisively saying yes to and submitting to GOD’s will and way in our life. When a convicted criminals were to be crucified in Roman times they had to carry their cross to the place of crucifixion. This is a demonstration to submit to Rome which they previously did not. In other words, it was a public demonstration of submission and obedience to Rome which was previously rebelled against. Jesus did submitted to GOD the Father and now we do it by submitting and obeying Jesus Christ and take on whatever we face in God’s will for our life as the followers of Jesus. It is the result of denying ourself as we saw in the last devotion.
“Matthew 26:42 (KJV) He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.”
“Matthew 6:10 (NKJV) Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven.”

This now becomes our prayer and action.

Let us pray. Father we pray that your will be done in our life. Help us to totally submit to and obey you that your be glorified in our life. We know that there are things you want us to do that are not easy but help us to take up our cross and do what you desire. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen