It's real easy to do things for people when there is an upside. When we know that we will be rewarded, even if that reward is simply recognition. It becomes less easy when we might face hardship, scrutiny, or even a considerable amount of pain or abuse. In order for this to be possible, we must have a clear view of the end in mind, we have to see that the immediate pain will be outweighed by a benefit for us. What was the upside for Jesus? He became sin and suffered the ultimate suffering for such sin. The upside is us! He was willing to suffer as much as He did for us. We were worth it ! Does that amaze you. It reminds me of the statement, " Jesus is the reason for the season" I guess if you think about it, that's not true. "We are the reason for the season" The reason Jesus came was for us. Of course Jesus is the reason for celebration, and that celebration can and should not be limited to any one season.
Thank you Jesus!!
1 comment:
Thank you for reminding me of this!
I remember that the Christmas before this past one you talked about Jesus not being the reason for the season but us being the reason for the season........I'll be honest, I was a little irritated at first because I really bought into, been teaching my children and had sharing with others that 'Jesus was the reason'.......
BUT by the end, I did get it.......along with what the angel said to the shepherds," I bring you Good News of great joy, it is for ALL the people."
"I am (we are) the reason for the season!" 'The Good News is for me (everyone)'
You can correct me if I am wrong but yesterday as we celebrated the Lord's Supper, I saw in my mind a picture of the Garden of Eden. In the center of the Garden stood the tree of Life......it was a cross and the fruit on the tree was JESUS! Later I asked GOD what the fruit on the tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil was.......I did not get a picture of a fruit but a word - 'independence'.......which as I think about make sense as when I choose to be independent from GOD I become prideful and I begin to do things I shouldn't......idolatry and so much more!
But when I continue to look to Jesus dare I say, eat of the Fruit of the tree of Life, none of the hardships, scrutiny, pain or abuse that I face is difficult.....HE is the ONE who is able and I thank and praise GOD that my only true need is to love HIM with all my heart, soul and mind and strength......then it is so easy to trust and obey!
And when I forget and begin to go my own way, which happens more than I care to admit – too often like the forgetful Israelites, I am thankful that I have a GOD who corrects me and that HE is always ready bring me back into HIS loving protection!
What a wonderful GOD we have and then everyday becomes a reason to celebrate!
Thank you Pastor for sharing your thoughts......I won't post often but you have given me much to pray about.....please don't post this if I have said something inappropriate.......just wanted to share my thoughts but mostly just wanted to thank you for sharing yours - hope you continue to post- Diane
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