The Way of the Cross

My intention with this blog is to encourage the brethren; I look for writings that will edify. Amy Carmichael has much to offer in the way of edification from her writings found in 'A Candle in the Dark'. I pray this will bless you as you read...



The way of the Cross

Don't be surprised if you are set at
nought. It is part of the way of the Cross. Mark 9:12 says, `The Son of Man must
be set at nought.' If we follow in the way He went, we also must be set at
nought. You will find this truer every year as you go on. And anything is
easier. Scourging is easier. `He must suffer many things, and' (as if this had
to be mentioned very specially) `be set at nought.'
Have you ever gone through your New
Testament marking the places where the iron of suffering in one form or another
is mentioned? It's wonderfully enlightening. The book is full of joy I know,
but it is also full of pain, and pain is taken for granted. `Think it not
strange. Count it all joy.'
We are meant to follow His steps, not
avoid them. What if the suffering is caused by those whom we love? Was His not
caused by those whom He loved? Oh, what a book the Bible is! If only we steep
our souls in its mighty comfort we can't go far wrong---we shall never lose
heart. 1 Peter 2:21: `For hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered
for you, leaving you an example, that ye should follow His steps.'
You will find the joy of the Lord comes
as you go on in the way of the Cross. It was one who had nobody all his own on
earth who said, `If I am offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I
joy, and rejoice' (Philippians 2:17 RV). It is no small gift of His love,
this opportunity to be offered upon the sacrifice and service; something you
would not naturally choose, something that asks for more than you would
naturally give. That's the proof of His love. So rejoice! You are giving Him
what He asks you to give Him: the chance to show you what He can do.