Theme of the Day: Cross Comes Before Crown
Some churches teach that if a person follows God, God responds by granting prosperity and peace, as would only be expected. Today we see how that is nonsense. The Bible explains that if we are part of the Church of God, we will have bear crosses. Believers suffer in this world, sometimes just because they are believers.
Why bother? We carry our crosses in gratitude for Jesus carrying his cross, one too heavy for us because it was weighted down with our sin. We carry our crosses because we know that in those moments of struggle, we are forced to turn to Christ and rely on his strength. This is the unexpected path, the one Jesus himself walked: the cross comes before the crown.
Matthew 16:21-26
Jeremiah 15:15-21
Romans 8:18-25
Psalm 31A
867 – Afflicted Saint, to Christ Draw Near
694 – Jesus, I My Cross Have Taken
702 – Come, Follow Me, the Savior Spake
806 – Your Days and Ways to God Surrender
831 – Why Should Cross and Trial Grieve Me
Prayer of the Day: Almighty God, your Son willingly endured the agony and shame of the cross for our redemption. Grant us courage to take up our cross daily and follow him wherever he leads; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Gospel Acclamation: Alleluia. Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. Alleluia.