My devotion for today mentioned something I hadn't considered before: the strength of endurance. Those who don't believe that Jesus is God's Son sometimes argue that Jesus couldn't have been because He stayed on the cross. In the midst of intense pain, suffering, and humiliation, He hung there, doing nothing. How could that demonstrate an all-powerful, loving God?
What I read today, though, spoke of a strength and power even GREATER than removing Himself from the unjustified death on the cross; Christ's power is what enabled Him "to endure the cross, scorning its shame" (Heb. 12: 1-3), all in the name of love so that we might have forgiveness of sins and life everlasting with Him.
Think about it. How often do we quit or give up simply because the task before us is too difficult? Christ, who could have removed himself from the suffering, did not. He endured in the midst of intense pain and suffering so that man might have forgiveness of sins. Not only did He remain on the cross; He did so for our benefit. He had nothing to gain personally. Being perfect, He didn't deserve such a death. And yet, He died a painful, tortuous death (and rose again!) so that we might be free. THAT is strength. THAT is love.
"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" Hebrews 12:1-3.
"And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart" Galatians 6:9
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