Saturday, October 16, 2010
BIBLE IN A YEAR: Proverbs 24-26 & 2 Corinthians 11
THANKFUL SUBMISSION – Submission to Authority
SCRIPTURE READING
Hebrews 12:1-3 (NIV); “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 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. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”
Jesus is the Author and Perfecter of our faith – He is the Founder of salvation and His perfection allows us to be continually renewed and sanctified as we continue in our race. Knowing the eternal victory that would ensue, He submitted Himself to God and laid down His life, enduring the intense pain and the wrath of God on the cross. Crucifixion, performed naked and publically, was meant to bring shame as well as a slow and excruciating death. Jesus scorned the cross’s intent to shame and considered, instead, the benefit that would result.
We cannot even fathom what Jesus endured on the cross. Hollywood’s depictions are uncomfortable to watch, but they far from do justice to what was accomplished on Calvary. And the writer of Hebrews encourages us with this very imagery saying, “Consider HIM who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” We are to meditate upon Jesus so that we do not lose heart in the middle of suffering and injustice. We must “keep the faith”, “fight the good fight” and “run the race that has been set before us” so that we can “endure to the end” and hear those words: “Well done, my good and faithful servant!”
PRAYER & MEDITATION
1. What from today’s devotional strikes you? How does the Holy Spirit want to use it in your day?2. How does Christ’s work on the cross put things into perspective for you? Spend some time in worship and praise, thanking God for who He is and for His presence in your life.
3. How do you need to be faithful in spite of injustice today? Ask the Lord for strength as you endure.
