Skip to main content

For the Joy

It’s Easter again – a wonderful season to remember Jesus and His finished work on the cross (His Death and Resurrection). Why did Jesus totally commit to His death on the cross? There was every temptation to deviate from the cross experience. He experienced the worse kind of pain but chose to endure it. The bible says in Hebrews 12:2;

"Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God."

So he endured the cross because of the joy that was set before him. What was the joy that was set before him? …you and me. We were the joy that was set before him. On that cross Jesus saw me – Sam and you – Mr/Ms, and decided I will endure the cross for their sake, yes, for you and me. Wow.

So He endured the cross for us all, despising the shame, and in-fact rose again for us. The end of the scripture in Hebrews 12:2 says … and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. What is Jesus doing at the right hand of the throne? …interceding for us continually (Romans 8:34)

Two thousand years ago, Jesus through His death on the cross and His resurrection, completely destroyed: the yoke of sin, the veil of separation from God’s presence, sickness and the power of the grave – death. (Romans 6:14, Mark 15:38, Isaiah 53:5, Isaiah 25:8, 1 Corinthians 15:55-57)

- Now we can live free from sin in/through the righteousness of Jesus (well that’s how God beholds us), (2 Corinthians 5:17, 21)
- and therefore in a more intimate relationship with God (as close to him as you want to be) by the Holy Spirit,
- and we can live in divine health (soundness of body and mind).
- Also, by his resurrection we are risen with Him (Colossians 3:1-4) and will be glorified with Him.
- And remember we are now co-heirs (Romans 8:17)… the list just goes on…

Halleluyah, Jesus and His selfless work on the cross - what a great gift. You too can start your Easter journey; begin the exciting walk with Jesus today. Friend, there’s never a dull moment with Him.

Happy Easter and remain forever blessed.

Popular posts from this blog

Disciples are Blessed

Matthew 5:1-12 NIV. [Series on: The Blessed] How would you describe a blessed and happy life? One of my friends believes there’s only one happy person each week, the lottery winner, and the rest of us just have make-believe happiness. Maybe you share my friend's view or have your own picture of happiness. The Bible also has its own picture, and in this short series on the Blessed we'll see who are the blessed of Scripture. In today's passage, Jesus gathers His disciples to the mountainside, away from the crowd and teaches them what a truly blessed and happy life—beatitude—looks like. Jesus shows that a blessed life is the life of a disciple, those who are: Poor in spirit (v3, Psalm 42:1; 63:1): who depend on God in everything. Mourning (v4, Isaiah 61:2-3): who seek God’s rescue/forgiveness by repentance. Meek (v5, Psalm 37:9-11): who humbly wait for the Lord amidst life’s ...

Accompanied by unfailing love

Ruth 1:1-22 NIV. I hope you had an enjoyable Christmas break. Happy New Year! The Book of Ruth has been called the most beautiful short story ever written because of its simple narrative. A narrative that shows how God’s provision for our needs or challenges is often woven into the simple acts of human kindness. Chapter 1 shows the kindness of a daughter-in-law, Ruth, to her mother-in-law, Naomi (v8, 16, 22), and we’ll see God at work through that. But first, the passage sets the context by introducing us to Naomi’s loss… Naomi lost her family… When Naomi (which means pleasant) is first introduced, we are told of her loss. A woman in a foreign land who lost her family (v1-5). She feels bitter, empty and afflicted by the Lord (v21). Why so? …Because Naomi knows Israel’s God to be the Almighty—Sovereign. He can bring famine to a disobedient Israel (v1) a...

In trials, Be Holy!

1 Peter 1:13-2:3 NIV. Knowing the joyful truths from the last session about our faith, Peter then goes on to say, therefore...be holy! (v13). Being holy means to live a God-centred life. It looks like not conforming to ungodly desires (v14, 2v1) but setting our minds on the eternal things of God (v13, 2v2), living in reverent fear of God (v17) and loving God's people (v22). This cuts against the grain of the me-centred worldview of life. It is, therefore, no surprise that every trial and distraction in life combats any attempt at living a God-centred life. So how do we respond? Peter's encouragement in verse 15 is: be holy in all you do — keep being holy, continue (2 Timothy 3:12-13). In trials, be holy for three profound reasons - all based on the very nature of God. In trials, we are to be holy (keep being, continue to be) because: God is holy. Verse 16 says "Be holy, bec...