In the window of a New York store was a display of all kinds of crosses. Beneath the display was a sign which read, “Easy Terms”.
Is that what we have been promised? Is that what the Lord accepted? Some are led to believe they can have a choice of crosses. Are we willing to accept making a sacrifice as long as the type is negotiable? Are we looking for a cross with “Easy Terms”?
What were the “Terms” of the sacrifice of Jesus? Jesus was willing to bear what was necessary for our salvation as Paul noted. . .
“(8) And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” (Philippians 2:8 ESV)
Jesus bore not just any death, but death by execution on a cruel torturous cross. Did Jesus choose the type of cross He bore? Jesus was forced to carry His own cross. (John 19:17) This was not some smoothed and polished wooden object. The cross Jesus bore was a heavy timber with most likely rough splintery edges that would have inflicted even more pain on His already scourged back. It was the cross given to Him. It was the cross He faced. It was the cross He endured. (Hebrews 12:2) And on that cross He bore the burden of our sins.
When Jesus called people to follow Him, He did not offer a negotiation of the “Terms”. Though He was clear about the blessings of following (i.e. John 6:35; John 10:27-28; John 11:26; etc.), He was also honest about the challenges. (i.e. Matthew 10:36; John 16:33; etc.) The “Terms” in which Jesus placed our following Him was expressed where we read. . .
“(23) And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” (Luke 9:23 ESV)
In the first century of the church, some tried to keep a mixture of Jewish and Christian doctrine to ward off being “persecuted for the cross of Christ.” (Galatians 6:12) These did not want to accept the “Terms” of a challenged disciple. Do we in some way tell Jesus we will be His disciple, but only on “Easy Terms”? Whatever cross we might be called to bear may not be known to us until it is placed upon us. The “Terms” on which we have been called to bear that cross is with continued faithfulness in following Jesus. But the “Terms” on which Jesus meets us in the bearing is with the strength He provides. We will not have to bear the cross alone.
Jesus accepted the “Terms” of an unfair cross. He accepted the “Terms” on our behalf. May we continue to respond faithfully to Him as His disciples in daily living. We don’t accept the “Terms” because they are “Easy”. We accept the “Terms” because they will be worth it! (i.e. 2 Corinthians 4:17-18) He has a blessed eternity in store for us.
Have a great day IN IT FOR THE LONG TERM!
Carl
