Scripture: “And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.”—– Luke 9:23
I love the story of Ben Hur, which ends with angry, vengeful Judah remembering Jesus’s incredible words, “Father, forgive them.” At that moment, Judah let go of his sword.  I have also carried a weapon, ready to lash out in anger when offended.  As I look at my suffering Savior, I too must drop my sword.
Easter, the celebration of God’s incredible love, draws us to the cross of Jesus and then brings us to this verse.  If the story is true, as investigative scholars throughout the centuries attest, what does it mean to each of us individually?
Every person who wishes to truly follow Christ needs real change and transformation from the inside out.  Others may think us nice, but we know ourselves. Those who live with us know we have buttons to push that will bring quick, destructive anger. The self-pride that clamors for retribution must die if we are to walk in His healing love.
As we take communion this Easter, either alone or with our families, we are instructed to first look inside ourselves and admit our failures. I personally will repent of my pride, my impatience, and my lack of love. I will ask to be filled with Jesus’s beautiful spirit in the coming days.

Prayer: Father, thank You so much for sending Your Son to take my sins upon His cross. Please help me change and follow Him.  I leave my self-defensive weapons at His cross and vow to walk in His ways. In Jesus’s mighty name I pray, amen.