The vision must be followed by the venture. It is not enough to stare up the steps – we must step up the stairs. - Vance Hayner
1. YOU have to go UP.
God was constantly ticked at the Israelites because of the images set UP at the high places.
Look at the High places that we SET UP in our lives - possessions, work, hobbies, habits; actually anything that comes between us & God can be a high place – spouses, children, even ministry!
We need to make a conscious decision to shake off all the extra stuff if we want to go UP.
2. What are you lifting UP?
John 12:32
But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself.
John 8:28
So Jesus said, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am the one I claim to be and that I do nothing on my own but speak just what the Father has taught me.
There is a double meaning hidden in here – YES this speaks of the crucifixion but it is so much more than that – we need to be Lifting Jesus UP!
Sometimes we tend to LIFT UP our problems more than our solutions.
It is only because of problems that we grow mentally and spiritually. - M. Scott Peck
3. Time to TAKE UP the CROSS.
The image of the cross is discernable in every area of Christianity.
Most of us have a cross – we where it as jewellery, as a token of our faith. I know for most of us we don’t want to belittle it – but the reality is we don’t understand the cross like it was ….
Jesus’ life was dominated by the CROSS – it was His noble pursuit.
Many people interpret the cross as ‘a burden to bear, a challenge to overcome, or a part of life they just have to press through. Most Christians would view the cross as a symbol of atonement, forgiveness and grace.
BUT … make no mistake that is not what the Disciples thought … to a person in the 1st century the cross meant only one thing: death by the most painful and humiliating means human beings could develop.
Taking up the cross meant torture
Taking up the cross meant certain death
Taking up the cross meant humiliation
And none of this was symbolic or to be avoided. Once the cross was on your shoulders there was only one outcome.
Would you choose the cross?
It is said of the missionaries of the 19th century, embarking on missions overseas, that they often packed their belongs in a coffin instead of a trunk so they would have something to be buried in. They never expected to return.
Would you choose the cross?
The cross is painful / no pain no gain.
The cross is certain death / dying to ourselves every day. More than a decision made at an altar call.
The cross in external & internal / it demands sacrifice.
Would you choose the cross?
