So, we mostly size a fellow up by his abilities as a trouble man. Any kind of trouble—not necessarily the fightin’ kind. If he goes the route, if he sets no limit, if he’s enlisted for the war—why, you naturally depend on him.”
–Eugene Manlove Rhodes (The Trouble Man)
“But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.”
“But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.”
–Galatians 6:14(NKJV)
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A good friend of mine used to sing that grand song, “The Via Dolorosa,” and combining it with her magnificent voice there came the feeling of something intensely majestic. This term is used for the route that the Romans would have forced Jesus to take on His way to Calvary. It is not one street, but a route. The definition of “dolorosa” is literally a “painful path”; it is a distressing, painful journey or process. So Jesus, on His way to Calvary, actually means then, “The way of suffering,” or as some would put it, “The way of the Cross.”
We can imagine, thanks to Scripture and the many movies depicting the crucifixion of Jesus. There have through history and traditions been added; things that are not in Scripture, but “sound nice.” Listen, there wasn’t anything “nice” about this journey. But as we think of the Lord trodding in distress this lonely route knowing everything that lay ahead of him we seem to forget His words to us. “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” (Luke 9:23, NKJV)
Think on that! That is true discipleship. That is working out your salvation with fear and trembling! Pick up that cross–pick it up daily and follow Christ. You will be led down your own Via Dolorosa. You have a journey, and there will be places along the way where you don’t think you can take it anymore. It is a painful path, but it is one that must be trod if you are going to follow Him.
Notice the definition again, it is a “painful journey or process.” As you travel through this life, it is definitely a journey, but it is more. It is maturing in Christ (working out your salvation) it is a process of growth and it often can be painful. Hearken to the saying, “No pain, no gain.” Or to the SEAL credo, “The only easy day was yesterday.” Now, put that to your spiritual experience, your spiritual journey. You are like Jesus in the way that you must trod this way alone. Oh, true, there will be friends and family along the way to pray, to lift you up (Simon of Cyrene), but ultimately the cross you bear is your own. Therefore, do not take the matter of obedience lightly. Alistair Begg writes, “Those who want to be identified with Christ are still called to pick up their own crosses and follow Him on the path of humility and obedience.” You might fall along the way, as Jesus did. The scars, both old and fresh may bleed and cause you great discomfort, but onward and upward you go. One thing, however, you do not have to face the Cross of Calvary. The price has already been paid, Jesus Christ, Himself bore that burden.
“To carry the cross is to be a Christian, and not until then.” (Lois A. Cheney) Don’t look at the cross others seem to bear; it may be deceiving. They may hoist their burdens better than yours, the load they carry may be more evenly distributed on their back than what is on yours. But all true believers have and must carry their cross. Cheney writes, “The cross is a lonely place. Even Christ didn’t pick it up quickly and easily.” But let me now interject here–you do not bear your cross without help. The Holy Spirit is there. He is the “Paraclete,” the One who walks along beside, the One who helps you bear your cross. The One who points out the route on your personal “Via Dolorosa.”
Friend, don’t delay like the rich young ruler. Don’t let possessions, friends, career, or any other thing get in the way of picking up your cross and following the One who died for you. Follow in His footsteps, He already had traveled the route.
——————————-
A good friend of mine used to sing that grand song, “The Via Dolorosa,” and combining it with her magnificent voice there came the feeling of something intensely majestic. This term is used for the route that the Romans would have forced Jesus to take on His way to Calvary. It is not one street, but a route. The definition of “dolorosa” is literally a “painful path”; it is a distressing, painful journey or process. So Jesus, on His way to Calvary, actually means then, “The way of suffering,” or as some would put it, “The way of the Cross.”
We can imagine, thanks to Scripture and the many movies depicting the crucifixion of Jesus. There have through history and traditions been added; things that are not in Scripture, but “sound nice.” Listen, there wasn’t anything “nice” about this journey. But as we think of the Lord trodding in distress this lonely route knowing everything that lay ahead of him we seem to forget His words to us. “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” (Luke 9:23, NKJV)
Think on that! That is true discipleship. That is working out your salvation with fear and trembling! Pick up that cross–pick it up daily and follow Christ. You will be led down your own Via Dolorosa. You have a journey, and there will be places along the way where you don’t think you can take it anymore. It is a painful path, but it is one that must be trod if you are going to follow Him.
Notice the definition again, it is a “painful journey or process.” As you travel through this life, it is definitely a journey, but it is more. It is maturing in Christ (working out your salvation) it is a process of growth and it often can be painful. Hearken to the saying, “No pain, no gain.” Or to the SEAL credo, “The only easy day was yesterday.” Now, put that to your spiritual experience, your spiritual journey. You are like Jesus in the way that you must trod this way alone. Oh, true, there will be friends and family along the way to pray, to lift you up (Simon of Cyrene), but ultimately the cross you bear is your own. Therefore, do not take the matter of obedience lightly. Alistair Begg writes, “Those who want to be identified with Christ are still called to pick up their own crosses and follow Him on the path of humility and obedience.” You might fall along the way, as Jesus did. The scars, both old and fresh may bleed and cause you great discomfort, but onward and upward you go. One thing, however, you do not have to face the Cross of Calvary. The price has already been paid, Jesus Christ, Himself bore that burden.
“To carry the cross is to be a Christian, and not until then.” (Lois A. Cheney) Don’t look at the cross others seem to bear; it may be deceiving. They may hoist their burdens better than yours, the load they carry may be more evenly distributed on their back than what is on yours. But all true believers have and must carry their cross. Cheney writes, “The cross is a lonely place. Even Christ didn’t pick it up quickly and easily.” But let me now interject here–you do not bear your cross without help. The Holy Spirit is there. He is the “Paraclete,” the One who walks along beside, the One who helps you bear your cross. The One who points out the route on your personal “Via Dolorosa.”
Friend, don’t delay like the rich young ruler. Don’t let possessions, friends, career, or any other thing get in the way of picking up your cross and following the One who died for you. Follow in His footsteps, He already had traveled the route.