From an article in the Washington Post on August 24:

“I have always said if there ever came a day when I could no longer meet my duties and expectations as Apple’s CEO, I would be the first to let you know,” wrote Jobs, who has been on a health leave of absence since January. “Unfortunately, that day has come.” Jobs’s resignation ends one of the most extraordinary runs in business history. This month, Apple briefly became the most valuable company in the world, surpassing oil giant Exxon Mobil.

When I heard the news of Steve Jobs’ resignation as CEO of Apple, Inc., I was eager to see how the world responded. I was not shocked to hear Apple shares had fallen within hours of the announcement. There was certainly “expected” backlash from his resignation. As I heard quote after quote regarding Jobs’ resignation’s probable impact on his company, I was shocked that this one man had so much importance.

As quoted in the above article, Apple became the most valuable company in the world in August. Yet, one man’s absence could possibly end that? I was intrigued. “He’s had a massive impact on personal computing — more important than Bill Gates or anybody else, I think,” said Leander Kahney, editor of the blog Cult of Mac and a longtime computer industry observer. So amazing, I thought: Apple’s followers can’t fathom what it will be like without their leader.

This news took my mind to the passage in Mark 8 where Jesus is telling His followers that He would suffer, be killed, but would rise again. At this point in Jesus’ ministry, for all intents and purposes, He is a rock star. He has fed a stadium full of people with a little boy’s Happy Meal. He has commanded winds and waves to be still. He has demons running from him. He has brought a little girl back to life. He has restored hearing to the deaf, and sight to the blind. He has walked on water, for cryin’ out loud!

31 And he (Jesus) began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes and be killed, and after three days rise again. 32 And he said this plainly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him.

I really don’t blame Peter–do you? What in the world was Jesus talking about?? THIS is not how the disciples had planned things! DEATH of their leader?! And Peter’s simple response is, “Nope. Not gonna happen, Jesus.” Can you imagine the conversation between Jesus and Peter here in verse 32 when, “Peter took him aside and began to rebuke Him.” It almost makes me laugh. Peter rebuking JESUS?!? I am guessing that you can imagine the conversation between the two of them because I think that everyone has had a conversation like that with Jesus. When have you had an “argument” with the Lord “rebuking” Him for what He has done or said? An unanswered prayer request? A period of suffering? An unexpected event in your life? Trust me, believer, He is in control and He knows exactly what is best for you.

33 But turning and seeing his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan! For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.” 34 And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.

There is so much involved here in the Jewish history of Jesus’ words “take up his cross” for which I do not have time to discuss. Ultimately, this is an issue of authority. I believe the Apostle Paul is using Christ’s words here when he writes, “set your minds on things that are above and not on things that are on earth” in his letter to the Church at Colossae (3:2).

Keep your eyes on Christ, deny yourself the things of this world. Take up your cross.

PS. Pray that God would save Steve Jobs before he leaves this world. That will be the most important thing of Jobs’ life.