The Way of the Cross (Part VII)

The gospel that saves; the gospel we believe and profess is inconceivable without the cross. The cross of our redeemer, the crucifix of the apostles; the patriarchs; the early church; missionaries; translators; all rest beneath our feet as a sure foundation with our overseer as the chief cornerstone.

The cross road marked before you is rich with the blood stains of holy men and women of God who through the ages counted the cost and chose to give up what they could not keep to gain what they could not lose.

May the same God who gave them endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus,

As citizens of heaven; one day; at long last we will see the worthy lamb that was slain. Until then, for His sake we rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance.

Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

When you bear you cross gladly; joyously; faithfully; be reminded that you are in the company of the saints.

Be assured of this, that you must live a dying life. And the more completely a man dies to self, the more he begins to live to God. (Rom. 6:9 ) No man is fit to understand heavenly things, unless he is resigned to bear hardships for Christ's sake.

Had there been a better way, more profitable to the salvation of mankind than suffering, then Christ would have revealed it in His word and life. But He clearly urges both His own disciples and all who wish to follow Him to carry the cross, saying, `If any will come after Me, let him deny himself, take up his cross and follow Me.'(Mark 8:34) Therefore, when we have read and studied all things, let thus be our final resolve: 'that through much tribulation we must enter the Kingdom of God.'(Acts 14:22)
                                       - Thomas A Kempis   Circa 1250 a.d.
                                                 (The Imitation of Christ)

1 Peter 5:10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 11 To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.

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