Let Them Deny Themselves and Take Up Their Cross

This meditation is based on a passage for April 10, 2011 in the Daily Lectionary Year 1 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).

Text: Mark 8:31-9:1

Reflection and Question: Jesus’ words here — that following Him means denying oneself, taking up a cross, or losing one’s life for Jesus’ sake — is also recorded more than once in both Matthew and Luke. I see it’s centrality in the faithfulness of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Christians I know. Bishop Gene Robinson, the first openly gay Bishop in the Episcopal Church, was compelled to wear a bulletproof vest at his investiture. Despite the real dangers, these lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender believers follow Jesus. They would rather forfeit their lives than forsake Him. How do you deny yourself, take up a cross and follow Jesus?

Prayer: Dearest Jesus, we ponder Your words that some would not taste death before Your kingdom had come. Thousands of years later, we await Your kingdom still. Show us how to take up a cross and follow You. Then we taste Your kingdom. Amen.