Sacrifice
01 Nov 2010 1 Comment
There is something about Jesus’ death on the cross that has filled me with emotion lately. I read through the last chapters in Luke the other day and was surprised by the tears swelling to my eyes when I read of Jesus’ sacrifice. I was overcome by his willingness to give up everything and endure such pain…because of the joy he knew would be his afterwards …Let us fix out eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart….Hebrews 12:2-3
He was willing to die to save me, to save us all. I can’t even imagine the thoughts running through his head. He even asked God to take away this cup of suffering from him, but then said willingly that he would complete his task if that was what God wanted. He sought to please God above all else, no matter what the pain (Luke 22:42-43). Now Jesus dying on the cross is not a new concept to me, it is one that I have learned and read about for years…but somehow lately I am overwhelmed by it. I again read a verse about Jesus’ death and found myself holding back tears…You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation…Revelation 5:9-10. He is worthy because he was slain!
I keep pondering this, why has Jesus’ sacrifice had such an effect on me lately? Not to say that I shouldn’t always be awestruck by Christ’s death…but is there something that is making this came alive more so now than before? I think it is Christ’s willingness to suffer. He knew long before his death that he would suffer and die. He chose to continue…to love, to heal, and to live each moment to the fullest knowing his time would come. Here I am in South Africa, sometimes feeling the pain of being so far from home…missing my family and my friends. I sometimes let myself be overcome with fear…fear of bugs or of people. I fear suffering and so I find myself awestruck at Christ’s willingness to endure suffering SO that I would NOT grow weary and lose heart. I can’t help but feel emotional knowing how hard being away from home can be and yet knowing Christ gave up SO SO SO much more than that WILLINGLY…for me. WOW.
Nov 05, 2010 @ 13:02:44
Oh Steph, you have such a teachable heart. Your soul is open to wisdom of the ages. Thank you for letting me see Christ through your eyes and your actions. What a blessing you are.