BIBLE MEDITATION:
“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter 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.” Hebrews 12:2 (NIV)
DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:
The words recorded in Matthew 26:26-29, 36-46 tell part of the story about
what happened to Jesus on the evening of that first Maundy Thursday. We know
that He instituted the Lord’s Supper. We know the story about how Jesus
washed His disciple’s feet, and how Judas picked up and left the room to go
out and betray Him for 30 pieces of sliver.
Actually, Jesus had a lot to say and a lot to teach that evening. The Gospel
of John dedicates five chapters; almost ¼ of the entire book of John
describes what happened and what was said during these last few hours in the
Upper Room and before the Garden of Gethsemane.
I think of these hours as a last minute cram course that Jesus provided His
disciples. It must have been impossible for them to take it all in. It had
to feel like trying to take a drink from a fire hydrant. Jesus taught them
about His betrayal and death, about how their grief would turn into joy - -
it was an emotional lesson Jesus had to teach them. No wonder those
disciples were exhausted and later on, fell asleep in the Garden of
Gethsemane. Luke gives us this interesting detail when he says in Luke 22
they were “. . . . . . . . . . .exhausted from sorrow.” (v.45)
As Jesus experienced each of these events – that evening - and up through
the Cross on Good Friday- - - as He pressed on, faced evil, persevered, and
fulfilled Scripture and His Father’s will - - - I wonder what was on Jesus’
mind?
What do YOU think about when you face suffering and unfair treatment, or
wickedness? What do you think about when you are weak or afraid or sick or
tired or depressed or angry? Or when you feel like you are carrying a heavy
load on your shoulders? Do you think about God? Are your thoughts about God
complimentary? What do you think about Him? Do you think He is fair? Do you
lose patience with Him? Do you harbor doubts or resentment toward Him? Do
you ever wonder what God wants to do with your life?
In 2004, there was an interesting poll conducted a poll where they asked 10
thousand people in ten different countries what they thought about God. The
poll was titled: “What The World Thinks of God.” Wouldn’t it be great if you
could conduct a follow-up poll titled: “What God Thinks of The World?” But
you know what? - - -If we could prove that we conducted an interview with
God - - - I wonder how many people would care? How many people would be
willing to change - if what God said - - went against what they wanted?
Well we already have that interview with God, we already have a record of
What God Thinks About the World - - - and story is recorded throughout the
66 Books of the Bible. One of the central messages of the entire Bible is -
- that God is thinking about you.
Hebrews 12:2 “(fix your) eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith,
who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and
has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
God is saying to us in this Bible verse, “take a long hard look at Jesus.”
He didn’t enjoy the Cross. It says here He “endured” it, and He “despised
the shame” of it. But what kept Jesus going? What kept Him on task?
* Was it the support of His disciples? No.
* Was it that Jesus somehow perfected mind over matter? No.
* Was it that Jesus had a supernatural pain tolerance? No.
* Was it just the sheer tenacity of Jesus character? No.
What kept Jesus on task? What kept Him going? Jesus sees the Higher Goal.
What does it say in Hebrews 12:2 “(fix your) eyes on Jesus, the author and
perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross,
despising the shame. . .”
Jesus faces evil, so that we can face eternity. Jesus climbs to the Cross,
so that we can claim heaven. Jesus feels the press of evil, so that we can
feel the presence of His Spirit, and the power of His love. Simply put- - -
the bottom line is: Jesus thought of us.
Jesus paid all, All to Him I owe:
Sin had left a crimson stain; He washed it white as snow.
In His Love & Service,
Pastor Larry E. Campbell
St. Paul A.M.E. Church, San Bernardino, CA
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