Heaven Is Worth The Race

Scripture: Hebrews 12:1-2 (NLT) – “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up.  And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.  We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.  Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame.  Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.” (bolded for emphasis).

Proverbs 3:5 (NLT) – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.” (bolded for emphasis).

Message: Wow, did you get that?  It was because of the joy awaiting Him, that Jesus endured the pain and the shame of the cross!!  That kind of joy goes far beyond my understanding!  The cross stood as the gateway between Jesus and eternal joy and He knew that such joy would be so much greater than the excruciating pain, no matter how horrific the cross would be.  Just think about that for a moment.  What would it take for us to be willing to endure the cross? I don’t know about you, but I can’t get my mind around seeing past the pain and humiliation of the cross.  I can’t begin to imagine anything that could get me to willingly endure the cross.  Remember, Christ did have a choice, and He chose the cross so that we could experience that joy with Him.  Without the resurrection and Paul’s understanding, it would be difficult to see how anything good could have come out of the day we know as “Good Friday”.

That puts a whole new light on Heaven for me.  Anything worth that kind of pain (which it says He gladly endured) is an invitation and goal that has my full attention and acceptance.

Prayer: Thank You Jesus for paying the price for my/our sin so that we live in Your joy for eternity!  Thank You, thank You, thank You.  Amen.

Teresa Cunningham - To see 2 of 2

Don't forget, today's Lenten Gathering with Kitty & Chris Kovic