DON'T LET THE CUP PASS

Jesus faced execution torture style.  The brutality of the cross was only a part of the burden.  The weight of mankind's sin which would separate him from Father would be excruciating.  As we are called to take up our cross and follow, surely there is that similar tempation he faced, Father, if you don't mind, let this cup pass.

Could it be that we have taken the cross to speak in allegory and not absolute?  Is it likely that punishment 'til dead finds a substitute of lesser means for our walk; irritation and frustration?  When we examine our taking up the cross, does this more likely mean we had a rough two hours at the committee meeting?  Or, did somebody drive off to the church picnic and forget to bring the horse shoes?

Do you know that the church's great strength is when we live from the cross?  Whether in the church building or at Wal-Mart, we will encounter the hateful as well as the obnoxious.  We tend to take the other aisle.  This is the temptation to abort the cup.

The irritable, the frustrating, the wounded, and the enemy cannot encounter the Son rays until his followers enter the cup.  They cannot afford for us to pass on it.  We much arise to the challenge.  Try to remember this when you would rather offer road rage or line-at-the-super-market rage. 

Ugly behavior from others merely induces our commitment to carry the cross on purpose.  We will do our best to refrain from letting the cup of personal sacrifice pass.