A Cross Before Me (Matthew 16:24)

I was watching a movie the other evening and was intrigued by the director’s use of lighting and special effects. The main character, a detective, was seeking to solve a complicated unsolved murder, attempting to discern any possible connections between seemingly disparate clues. As he gazed upon the collection of newspaper and magazine articles, photographs, and receipts, a light illuminated random bits of data and a ray of light began to connect the different items. As the detective pondered the connections, the answer literally flashed before him, and the murder was solved.

I have never received such a graphic illustration of God connecting the seemingly random dots in my life to provide an answer or direction. No ray of light or glowing arrow has ever appeared. And yet, if I took the time to reflect upon God’s direction in my life, it is clear that He is always leading me. The constant reminder is not a glow of light but the Cross before me.

Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.”

Matthew 16:24 (NKJV)

Everywhere one looks, there is a physical reminder of the Cross. A computer screen, a book, a shelf, the facade of a building, windows, street signs-the image of the Cross within these objects can easily be illuminated and superimposed in one’s mind, just as if a movie director were using special effects. If I seek the Cross in God’s creation, it is there. And if I seek to take up His Cross, He is there. When I am seeking God’s direction, I need to only look to the Cross. It means I need to acknowledge what Jesus Christ did on the Cross for me. None of my  diplomas, certifications, or cleverness will ever substitute for this. If I want God to give me direction in my life, I need to be willing to sacrifice all of my desires and self interests and nail them to the Cross. Only then will the illumination of God’s guidance become evident in my life.

God’s Cross is always before me. I need to daily take His Cross and follow Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior.

Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.