The Sign of the Cross...
Matthew 16:24-28
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. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works.
Assuredly, I say to you, there are some standing here who shall not taste death till they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom."
Personal Challenge...
This passage is so full of rich jewels that it would take many days to fully unpack. The first piece to look at is the command to deny ourselves and to take up our cross and follow Jesus. In the Orthodox Church, we cross ourselves with the sign of the cross regularly. Making the sign of the cross is a physical reminder to take up the cross of Christ and to live our lives for Him. We invocate it on the pronouncement of the members of the Holy Trinity and at other times which refer to the sovereignty of our Lord Jesus Christ and the celebration of His communion elements and written gospels.In all cases, it is the reminder that is what counts. The reminder that if I am to be a true disciple of my Lord I will regularly set myself aside and take up His cross. Glory be to God!
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