Hebrews 12:2-4 tlb
Keep your eyes on Jesus, our leader and instructor. He was willing to die a shameful death on the cross because of the joy he knew would be his afterwards; and now he sits in the place of honor by the throne of God. 3 If you want to keep from becoming fainthearted and weary, think about his patience as sinful men did such terrible things to him. 4 After all, you have never yet struggled against sin and temptation until you sweat great drops of blood.
For the joy that was coming after his shameful death on the cross is the reason Jesus was willing to die. The joy was the great harvest of new born-again Believers. Jesus is the firstborn of many brothers and sisters. The cross was God’s love; that confused the enemy. The enemy thought he won when Jesus died, but God’s love was concealed in his wisdom. Jesus was the seed God planted in the Earth to receive a harvest of New Creations of people. A kernel of wheat must die and be planted to bring forth a harvest (John 12:24). Jesus loves us so much that he laid down his life so that we can live the life God planned for us from the beginning for Adam. Jesus suffered because he knew this was for our benefit. Love always does what is best for others. God loves us. He gave his son for us. Jesus loves us so much he endured a shameful, inhumane death for us. Hallelujah! We win in life because of Christ Jesus.
Prayer- Heavenly Father, I thank you for all you do for me. It is because your love, not because I deserve your goodness. I can never thank you enough for Jesus Christ: my Lord, Savior, King, Redeemer, healer, righteousness, peace, and Victory. He is my great I Am. I thank you Jesus for giving me life, living in me, and giving me Victory! Amen.