Approximately two thousand years ago the “church”—that body of believers who put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ—came into its being at Pentecost. Those days that followed were the formative years, when tribulations and tests of every kind came against that fledgling church body of believers, both from without, and from within.
Most of the trials and tribulations the first century church encountered were not from an opposing world, but from the unbelieving religious factions of the time. Those who wanted to dominate with religion were adamantly opposed to the Church’s arrival—and dead-set against its survival.
So why should any of us be surprised by the opposition we witness today? We see entire denominations of “believers” who oppose the true words of God, and anyone who truly lives by them. It’s frustrating, and it’s maddening.
But we really don’t need to waste our time judging those who refuse to walk in truth. We will let God do the sorting out—when He separates the wheat from the tares. That’s His job, which will be done in His own perfect timing, at the end of the age.
In the meantime, we must remain true to the mandate we’ve been given: to be His Church, even in an anti-church generation of time.
And thankfully, God has provided us with everything we need—to be able to do and to be exactly who we’ve been called to be. Servants of the Most High. Living sacrifices unto God. About our Father’s business. A royal priesthood. A particular kind of set-apart people. A chosen generation. A living expression of our Heavenly Father.
In other words, it’s not only possible for us to continue to be Christ’s Church—but it’s been preordained for us to flourish, right in the middle of the mess.
King David’s 23rd Psalm give us a beautiful picture, to see how the Good Shepherd of the sheep puts on a real “spread” for his sheep. Blessings and favor deliberately and openly displayed, to those who vehemently oppose them.
“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over.”
Psalms 23:5
In this verse, we see a table that has been prepared. A full array of good things, in full display—right in the presence of those looking on. And David doesn’t mince words here. He declares those present to be “my enemies.” Enemies who would otherwise never allow such banqueting to take place—except for one thing.
The Good Shepherd not only provides. He protects. And His enemies know it.
They may watch. They might even protest. But that is all they are able to do. For the Good Shepherd is also the Great Shepherd. And great is His NAME, both in David’s own time, and now—in the midst of His last-days church!
But there is more. Christ Jesus has left us with tools on the table—the tools that we need to succeed, in these challenging last days. These aren’t tools to help you live “your best life now,” as those with their hopes pinned on this world hope to have. These are practical, hands-on tools that any aspiring (and serious) believer will need, to stay strong against the enemy’s blows, firmly stand in the trials of faith, and overcome the schemes of the devil.
Tools that have been left in plain view—in the Word of God—for anyone of us to find and implement. Let’s take a look at some of them now.
Your Tools on the Table
“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.
For whoever desires to save his life will lose it,
but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.'”
Matthew 16:24-25
Jesus begins with a qualifying statement. “If anyone desires to come after me.” It sounds almost like a challenge, doesn’t it?
“Anyone.” It’s a challenge that is presented by Christ Jesus, to the whole human race.
No one seems to be excluded or disqualified from stepping up, and stepping into God’s purposes. No one is discouraged, or turned away. Apparently, all who hear him have the right (and the opportunity) to respond.
And many do. But there is more.
It begins with what Christ Jesus next declares—given to us as a three-part imperative—to all and any would-be “comers.”
For many would disregard His words, seeing and seeking only what this man of miracles might do for them. While others would gladly begin with Him, only to be soon offended by Christ’s words or deeds. And then walk away.
But for those who held on for dear life—to their Life-Giver—His words would soon give birth to real actions.
His words would become the tools of the Christ-following trade. The standard by which any true disciple, seeking to be about his Father’s business, might live.
1)“Let Him Deny Himself.”
Self-denial makes sense as a religious concept, to those with a religious mind. The Pharisees swore by it—that is, the APPEARANCE of self-denial.
So, why isn’t everyone just dying to go there?
Because what Jesus meant by “denying” oneself is actually “dying” to oneself.
‘If then you were raised with Christ,
seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God.
Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.
For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
Colossians 3:1-3
Dying to one’s own willfulness, and determining that something else—or Someone else—should take precedence over our own personal desires. This is that strong-willed struggle within each one of us.
John the Baptist seemed to say it best: He was not the Bridegroom, but the “friend” of the Bridegroom:
You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, ‘I am not the Christ,’ but, ‘I have been sent before Him.’
He who has the bride is the bridegroom;
but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice.
Therefore this joy of mine is fulfilled.
He must increase, but I must decrease.
John 3:28-30
Today (in western terms) we would call him Christ’s “best man.” Certainly an important forerunner in the wedding party. But when the marriage ceremony begins, the best man steps back into the background, his introductory role now fulfilled.
And so it is with you and me. Christian, from the moment you believed, you entered into the “war of the wills.”
May the “best man” win? No. Not at all.
But if we can graciously step aside, allowing our Lord to take His rightful place, we will win every time.
Jesus makes it clear to anyone who has an ear to hear Him: “LET” him deny himself. That means it is OUR choice. The decision is ours, to ALLOW His will to win. To be willing to wait on God, for His own purposes to play out. It’s a daily decision, and a crucial one.
2.) “Take Up His Cross.”
The cross—a terrible torture device—was a constant reminder, to anyone living in Judea during Christ’s day, of what living (or dying) under Roman rule could mean.
History tells us of that time—when political opponents, law breakers, or even armies might be hung on display, to openly suffer in unimaginable ways. It was a cruel time in Israel’s history.
But it was also a pivotal moment in time, unimaginable by most. Because a Christ child was born. And His kingdom had come to earth.
It must have taken many by surprise, to hear Christ Jesus proclaiming to any potential disciples, “Take up your cross.” What an odd command to hear! Because remember, Jesus hadn’t yet suffered upon His own cross. And most would not even know that this was to be His fate. How could anyone then, understand what He was telling them?
But what about us, today? Are we now any more able to understand? What exactly is this “cross,” that we are supposed to “take up?”
To understand better, we need to realize that this concept of the cross was not original to the Romans. Nor had it been conceived by the Hebrews.
The concept of the cross was created by God Himself.
When we read chapter twelve of Exodus, we see that it’s focal point was the promise to save God’s chosen people from certain death—just by one act of their simple obedience. The promise was for any and all in the house, hidden there, behind the “door.” The doorposts were where the blood of a spotless lamb was to be applied, and openly displayed.
The Hebrews were instructed to stay “hidden” until morning, fully clothed and ready to go with God, at the moment of command. They were to be in a state of constant readiness, until the hour of their departure. Then they would arise as one, all going together.
But no one could go, without first passing through that blood-spattered doorway.
The analogy is clear. Christ Jesus would be that spotless lamb, slain for many. For anyone who would simply obey him, and connect themselves to Christ’s blood-stained cross.
So, when Christ Jesus calls to his own, “Take up your cross” what is he saying? I think I know, at least in part. But you decide.
I believe that Jesus is calling for disciples everywhere, in any generation of time, to arise, and to “put on” daily that plank of blood-bought distinction from the world. That red badge of courage. That blood-soaked, death-defying identity in Christ Jesus. It is the cross-post, of a greater DOORWAY. A passage-way to freedom, for anyone seeking to find a way, where there seemed to be no way.
“I am the door.
If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.
The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy.
I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.
I am the good shepherd.
The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.”
John 10:7-11
Jesus could confidently proclaim that HE is THE DOOR, for all and any of his own sheep. The cross of death was just a doorpost. It was never the DOOR. Christ alone received that honor, as he openly shed the richness of His own blood, upon that waiting doorpost. And willingly gave His life for every wandering sheep, searching for pasture.
The word “cross” in the Greek means “a post.” And because of Christ, that “post” enabled a blood-soaked passageway to be opened, for any and all who would believe and receive the promise of salvation.
And because of that promised salvation, all who are waiting just “behind the door” would one day receive the ultimate release from Sin’s own bondage: To suddenly hear that call to freedom, and quickly arise, to meet their Emancipator.
Let us carry it well. Let us stand at our “post”, as willing sentries of the cross, to proclaim the NAME we live by. Let us take it up, and carry it everywhere we go. An open show of what the Emancipator of humankind will do, for anyone who is willing—to come.
For we are those ambassadors of the kingdom of Heaven. We are the Door keepers. The friends of the Door. A vital post beside the Door. A blood-spattered signpost, pointing the WAY for the weary. And a light, within the darkness, illuminating that one and only DOOR of God’s own saving grace!
3.) “And Follow Me.”
That word “follow” in the Greek means to go on the same way with—to accompany, or to be a companion. It’s to be on the same page (like-mindedness) with the One you are traveling with. Think about where Jesus and You might be going today. Are you open to whatever He is calling you to do?
It is so important for us to realize that God may change our plans, our expectations, or the very direction of our day. He not only has that right, but He also has the wisdom to redirect us at any given point.
“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”
Psalms 23:4
You may walk into some prosperous, wonderful place today. Or you may walk into some difficult or dangerous situation. Some bad news might arise along your way. Some suffering. Some pain. And you (like the psalmist quoted above) may even be faced with that “valley of the shadow of death.”
But David knew full well about those implements—the rod and the staff—held firmly in the shepherd’s capable hands. They were there for PROTECTION and DIRECTION. No need for the sheep to worry, just as long as their Good Shepherd was leading the way.
And if you’ve given Christ Jesus permission to lead your way, then you can expect him to direct and protect your day. Every moment. His way.
Like David, you can rest assured, knowing that your Good Shepherd holds all things within His capable control. Knowing that He watches through the night hours. When the hours might seem their darkest, or loneliest. He faithfully keeps watch, to protect, defend, and direct. Because He loves His flock—His gathered and glorious church.
Watch and Wait
And so what can we do, when so many are opposing us? Bringing accusations and lies about us? Mistreating us? How shall we be his church, even now—at this critical hour we face?
We must do what all trusting and grateful sheep everywhere must do. We must keep our eyes upon the Good Shepherd, and not on the commotion all around us. We must confidently watch Him, and rest safely in his presence. It is this blessed assurance we have right now, in an unsure world.
“…looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith,
who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame,
and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself,
lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.”
Hebrews 12:2-3
There is yet another parallel of meaning centered around that blood-stained doorway in Exodus—and it is the rapture of the Church.
For just like us (the household of God,) all “in the house” would wait until that God-ordained hour, for their call to freedom. And, (just like us) their call would be a trumpet blast!
And then, they would arise—all at once—from their hidden places, and go! It would be in haste (just as we will go, in an instant!) They would go as one nation, under God (just as we will go, in our Kingdom identity.)
They would be finally released from their bondage from Egypt (as we will be released, physically and finally, from this world), and taken to their waiting “promised land.” (Just as we will be taken to our Heavenly realms.)
Friend, there is no need to be weary or discouraged. For Christ Jesus has already endured the cross, despised the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. He has already won the right to claim His spotless and splendid bride.
So…look up!
For your redeemer draws ever near. To claim His own. To claim You.
Let’s stay encouraged. Let’s use our tools, and keep being the Church He has called us to be.
The Holy Bible, New King James Version, Copyright © 1982 Thomas Nelson. All rights reserved.