Living Above the Circumstances of Life
“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.” - Hebrews 12:2
Most every human being has memories of very undesirable circumstances and events. We live in a sin-cursed world and bad things do happen. Dr. Chappell points out that Christ’s “joy can prevail over any heartache on this earth, because His joy is based upon His resurrection.”
If there was ever a person who could make an extreme case for being mistreated, it was the Lord Jesus Christ. He became sin for us, yet knew no sin Himself (2 Cor. 5:21). He was reviled against, but never reviled back; He suffered, but never threatened (1 Peter 2:21), and as He died for our sins, the Just for the unjust (1 Peter 3:18), “He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth” (Acts 8:32), He went without complaint.
We are commanded in 1 Peter 2:21 to “follow in His steps.” Yes, the circumstances Jesus Christ faced were very unfavorable. He came unto His own Creation only to be rejected by His own people (John 1:11). But He endured the cross and despised the shame as He ever kept His eyes fixed on the joy that was set before Him.
When things happen in your life which are unpleasant, think of Jesus and all that He went through! Sing to yourself:
It will be worth it all when we see Jesus,
Life's trials will seem so small when we see Christ;
One glimpse of His dear face all sorrow will erase,
So bravely run the race till we see Christ. - “When We See Christ” by Esther Kerr Rusthoi
Have I taken my eyes off from Jesus, and what He accomplished for me on the cross, and through His resurrection?
Whatever you face today, you can know that Jesus has gone before you: Look unto Him and He will bring you through!
