An Unexpected Cross - Karen Pourbabaee
“Whoever wishes to come after Me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me.” Mathew 16:24 NAB
The cross outside my window was created amidst an intense ice storm several months ago. A severed horizontal tree limb, intersecting a standing tree, hangs suspended between two neighboring trees. This unexpected creation has been cause for much springtime spiritual speculation. It is at once a grand statement of Christ’s victory at the cross of Calvary, and indeed a message that He reigns victorious in all of life’s storms. As believers, it also means something more.
While the cross is a symbol of victory, it is also one of suffering. Much like our lives, crosses may arrive during an intense personal storm—unexpected. Other times, the cross intended for us lingers unheeded, something we know we need to pick up and carry. It’s our calling to do so. “For this you have been called because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example that you should follow in His footsteps.” (1Peter 2:21) Will we carry this cross for Him like Simeon did, so willingly? We must not turn away from His cross. Jesus offers the grace to carry it now.
Let us take up the cross He’s prepared, placing our hope in this promise: “…all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28) Keep walking. Persevere. Soon that cross will be obscured by new life.
As weeks went by, verdant green leaves began to appear on the trees outside my window. The season was changing, as it always does. The old was passing away into obscurity. Soon the cross will disappear, covered by signs of new life, an abundance of fresh green leaves. Jesus said: “Behold, I am making all things new…” (Rev. 21:5) Pick up your cross, the season is changing, and He plans to make all things new. Amen.
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