ENDURING LIKE JESUS

ENDURING LIKE JESUS

For the joy that was set before him he 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 sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. (Hebrews 12:2b-3)

Everybody who has chosen to endure suffering has a strategy, otherwise the grief and pain becomes overwhelming. Jesus had a strategy. He chose to go to the cross because of the end result – the joy of seeing millions of people saved for eternity, reconciled with God, which is His long-term plan. The pain was agonising and the shame was dreadful as He bore the curse of sin for the world (Galatians 3:13). Even God the Father could no longer look upon God the Son. He was utterly forsaken. And yet Jesus chose to endure it all. The end-result was a glorious resurrection, and the means by which God could bring many sons to glory (Hebrews 2:10). Jesus Himself has been given the Name above all names, the supreme rulership of time and eternity (Philippians 2:9). He sits enthroned in heaven and He is now also the High Priest for all who repent of their sins and acknowledge Him as Lord of all (Hebrews 8:1). Through His shed blood, sinners can become saints, and heaven is populated with children of God (John 1:12). God's heart is full of joy, and even the angels rejoice to see what Christ has done (Luke 15:7-10). Jesus knew exactly what was involved, but He did not flinch from His task. He said "The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life." (Luke 9:22). He saw beyond the grief to the joy of fulfilling the divine plan. Our strategy must be the same as Christ's. Not that we can in any way atone for the sins of others: but we are Christ's ambassadors – showing His saving power in our lives, explaining the gospel and urging people to be reconciled to God through Him (2 Corinthians 5:18-20). If we are called to endure for His sake, others will be convicted of their need for salvation. Christ despised the shame, so must we. He looked forward to the joy of completing His mission, so should we. Soldiers know that they must look forward to what lies beyond the conflict. Even though they may die, they are committed to the goal of the operation through which many others will live (1 John 4:9). Paul felt deeply about the salvation-need for his own people, and was willing to endure anything so that they might hear and respond to the gospel (2 Timothy 2:10). Is that our concern too? Or are we so deeply entrenched in the processes which make our lives enjoyable, that we forget the reason why God placed us on this earth? When the problems come, let us consider what Jesus went through, and why. Then, as His ambassadors, let us do whatever is necessary so that those we live and work among may understand the gospel and call out for salvation.

Saving Lord. Thank You for the example of Jesus who endured pain and shame so that I might know Your love and be welcomed as Your child for all eternity. Forgive me when I have been careless, not at all troubled by the eternal destiny of my friends and colleagues who do not know Jesus. Please help me to accept the privilege of being Christ's ambassador where I live and work, so that I will endure hardship for the sake of the gospel. In Jesus' Name. Amen