Endured the cross.....

Hebrews 12:2 tells us we are to "Fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith." Jesus is our example in everything we do and how we act. The interesting part is when the writer of Hebrews says, "For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame". Throughout the 2012 season we have discussed how to be "Faithful to the Finish" in our lives to secure our eternity on the other side of this life. To "fix our eyes on Jesus" is the way!

The part of that verse that moved me when I read that passage this time was He "endured the cross". We endure many things but never to the extent Jesus did on the cross. It is 4:00 am as I am writing this because I cannot sleep due to the pain in my back from my spinal fusion surgery (see pic below) I had done last week. Jesus knew the pain prior to his crucifixion and He endured it with joy! Remember, we are not just talking about physical pain; but emotional pain and spiritual separation from His father.

I know it is quite a stretch to compare back surgery to a crucifixion. That's not the point. The point is, left to our frail humanness and our own will we could not be saved from the wrath of God. God chose to send his Son and Jesus agreed to the pain and agony of the cross; for us. Aren't you glad you serve a God full of grace and mercy that sent His Son who, with joy, endured the pain for you?
Fix your eyes on Jesus.....