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This has become a very significant and personal word for me – being one of the first verses I preached on in 1964. Jesus Christ said, “If any man would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross, and follow me.” Mark 8 verse 34.

I remember sitting on a bench by the River Tay up the North Inch on a quiet summer’s afternoon reading my Boys’ Brigade New Testament. It was one of those highly precious moments at a rather dramatic and demanding time in my young life. I was ‘alone’ – but not ‘alone’.

Jesus is alone with His disciples. He knew when it was right to spend time in prayer, teaching his men.

Jesus asked his disciples a question - "What are the people saying about me?" They give favourable comments. Matthew Chapter 16 gives us a fuller account of this scenario.

Then comes the big question - "Who do you say I am?" Peter answers – “You are the Christ” – meaning the Messiah, the Saviour, who saves us from our sins.

Jesus confronts us personally, challenging us individually.

Jesus speaks about having to suffer – being rejected, killed, and raised.

The world could not accept all that, but these men would.

A man needs spiritual eyes to be opened to see these things of which Jesus Christ is speaking. People in the world are basically blind. "I just cannot see that!"

Jesus knew what lay in front of him - rejected - crucified - raised.

He teaches the importance of denying yourself – taking up your cross – and following Christ – and gives no choices - no options, as he lays down the conditions.

He calls for commitment - and when we ask, "Jesus, is there an easier way?" he has to shake his head and say, “No”.

What you try to save, you lose - and what you are willing to lose, you save.

Don't be ashamed of Jesus, or of his words. He is coming again, and those who reject Jesus now - or are ashamed or embarrassed by the Name of Jesus - will one day be marked out for what they are.

Four men were walking along each carrying their cross – one man asked if it could become not quite so heavy – could it be cut and shortened? This was done. Two or three times he asked – shorten my cross – make it lighter.

The four men walked on – coming to a chasm – a great gulf – a gorge. Three laid down their crosses over the chasm – the problem – and walked over – overcoming the difficulty – the hurdle – the issue – safely to the other side.

The man with the lighter but shorter cross was unable to overcome!

Jesus knew the truth - spoke the truth - shared the truth - taught the truth - was the truth.

“Take up your cross and follow Christ.”

“Lord God Almighty – there comes that moment in many lives when a decision has to be made. We give thanks for these occasions no matter how long ago they might be. Help us not to delay – or put it off until a more suitable moment appears. Loving God – we know these occasions confront us – directly – or through a friend – or when the Word of God is being proclaimed – or the verse of a hymn – or in some other way. You are the God of variety – for which we give thanks and praise. At this time of the year when many return to focus afresh upon the Cross of Christ – speak O God and help us to respond positively – hear our prayers in the Name of Jesus.” Amen.

"Chip Shots from the Ruff of Life" from Tom Kelley

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