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The Padded Cross

 

            Well, here I am, Lord.  You said, “Take up your cross,” and I’m here to do it.  It’s not easy, You know, this self-denial thing.  I mean to go through with it, through…yes, Sir.  I’ll bet you wish more people were willing to be disciples like me.  I’ve counted the cost and surrendered my life, and it’s not an easy road.

            You mind if I look around over the crosses?  I’d kind of like a new one.  I’m not fussy, You understand, but a disciple has to be relevant these days.

            I was wondering—are there any that are vinyl padded?  I am thinking of attracting others—see?  And if I could show them a comfortable one I’m sure I could win a lot more.

            And I need something durable so I can treasure it always.  Oh, is there one that’s sort of flat so it would fit under my coat?  One shouldn’t be too obvious.

            Funny there doesn’t seem to be much, choice here—just that coarse rough wood one I mean, that would hurt.  Don’t You have something more distinctive, Lord I can tell You right now, none of my friends are going to be impressed by this shoddy workmanship.  They’ll think I’m a nut or something.  And my family will be just mortified.  What’s that?  It’s either one of these or forget the whole thing?  But, Lord, I want to be your disciple.  I mean, just being with You, that’s all that counts; but life has to have a balance, too.  But You don’t understand—nobody lives that way today!  Who’s going to be attracted by this self—denial bit?  I mean, I want to, but let’s not over do it.  Start getting radical like this, and they’ll have me off to the funny farm, know what mean?

            I mean, being a disciple is challenging and exciting and I want to do it; but I have some rights, You know.  Now let’s see—no blood, okay?  I just can’t stand the thought of that, Lord…Lord?

Jesus?  Now, where do you suppose He went?

            --quoted in The Sword of the Lord,

January, 1976 from Carlyle Saylor in

                        “Christian Deaf Fellowship”

            PULPIT HELPS, March, 1982