By the cross...

Every detail in the Bible has its significance. When the Bible says to take up your cross and follow Christ some may not understand why. Yes, the cross represents the suffering of Christ, so the cross is now a symbol of suffering. But it is not without its significance and it is also a symbol of victory.

When you take up your cross and follow Jesus Christ, you are identifying with Christ in the most significant way. You are saying that you belong to Jesus, but much more you are saying I am willing to die if need be on this cross just as Jesus did. Even though no one expects you to die, because Jesus has done that but you are expected to live a life of sacrifice, denial, and crucifixion if it comes to that.

"And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross". (Col.2.15)

Jesus dying on the cross disarmed powers and authorities. He made a public show of them. In fact, one translation says "he marched them naked on the street". Another one says 'he shamed them openly'. But I like better the way the New international version renders it. It says 'he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross".

And this phrase 'by the cross' jumped at me. So it was by the sufferings Jesus endured on the cross that he triumphed over them. When it appeared as though he was losing the battle, he was actually winning the war.

Don't let your pain stop you. They are your victory stripes. Don't let the things you endure make you give in and throw in the towel. They are the things that herald your triumph. Your victory is in and through the things you suffer. Therefore, have the right attitude when you go through them. It was by the cross that Jesus triumphed, through your cross you too will triumph. It was by the cross...

Good day,
And have a great day today,
EmmA (aka Mr. Lift)
@Liftemma

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