There’s A Light 

April 3-4

There’s A Light 

We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Hebrews 12:2

This time of year it is easy to find the story of Jesus’ death on television. In fact most are in the run-up to Easter during this time. Each year I look forward to hearing the account as if it were the first time. It is the story of Christ crucifixion which tugs at my heartstrings the most. These events have really got me thinking and seeing how the Easter story as a stand-alone story just doesn`t work! Without the context of the rest of the Bible, the crucifixion and resurrection don’t make sense, nor do they accomplish anything. The brutality of the cross stands as a senseless horror story, and the resurrection nothing more than a happy ending to an otherwise very unhappy series of events. Yet, as Christians we know this isn`t true!

Hebrews 12:2 reminds us we should, [looking away from all that will distract us and] focusing our eyes on Jesus, who is the Author and Perfecter of faith [the first incentive for our belief and the One who brings our faith to maturity], who for the joy [of accomplishing the goal] set before Him endured the cross, [a]disregarding the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God [revealing His deity, His authority, and the completion of His work]. (Amplified Bible)

This simply says there is a context that makes sense of it all, and there`s a reason it had to happen the way it did. There was no other way that Jesus could accomplish what He did without facing the brutality and fear that the story conveys. Yet, there was a joy that was beyond the cross, a joy that motivated Jesus through the deepest darkest moments in the last days of His physical life. And, most importantly, it was all done for each and every person who will ever exist!

As we approach this Resurrection Sunday, let`s once again fix our eyes on Jesus. When we see the brutality of the cross, the reality of what was done in the physical pains the heart but, we can also see a heart of love that endured it for you and for me. When we see the joy of the resurrection we can stand in victory with Him; a victory over sin and death, free of guilt and shame.

Also, let`s not keep this wonderful revelation to ourselves! For those who have been exposed to The Light, let`s be the ones who can simply and whole-heartedly give reason to the story. Let`s be the ones who can tell why it had to be that way. Let`s be the ones who fix our eyes on Jesus and say, “Because of Him, we live!”