AFTER DEATH
Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.(Hebrews 12:1-2 NKJ)
If only we could get a grasp of what lies ahead we too would gladly die. In Jesus case, we are talking about a physical death. We are talking about Him enduring the shame and punishment for all our sins(how He despised that). His love for us was greater than any pain or shame. It was not just the joy of being seated with the father that drove Him. It was also the joy of being our savior. The joy of leading many sons to glory. The joy of spending eternity with us. The joy that He would have watching us live the kingdom life He prepared. There is an intimate place with our Father in heaven that brings us to understanding all that He has in store for those who love Him. If only we will press into Him, we will find it. There was a place in the garden where Jesus settled it all in His heart and came out and said it was time.
This week is what the church world calls Palm Sunday. It is when we remember Jesus as He made his entrance to the city with the people waving palm branches and shouting Hosanna to the King of Kings. He was making a victory march to death. Since He was all man, his stomach had to be in knots just thinking of what was coming. Since He was also Son of God, His face expressed true joy for what was beyond the cross. I think we have all at one time or another, smiled and waved with knots in our stomachs.
He knew He would be betrayed, that His most faithful would deny Him and scatter, but still He went on to die. It was not easy, and it was not painless. We know He ask if there was any other way. Ultimately He chose His Father’s will. He did this because He was convinced that it was the best way. We also know He did not go kicking and screaming once He made the decision. Help me die as graciously Lord.
Whenever we are convinced that God’s way is best we are willing to give up our way as well. The death that God calls us to, is not a physical one. At least not right away. We are called to die to our own selfish and fruitless lives so that we can live the life He has planned for us. It is not something that we do once and then it is all over. No, we like Paul, must be willing to die daily. We must desire to choose God’s way over our own whenever our way is at odds with His. It certainly is not easy, but like Jesus, we must be convinced of the joy that awaits us when we do. He will give us the strength necessary. We need only to press in.
God has great things planned for us now in this life time, and in the end eternal life. We need only to die to receive them. The road is ahead lined with a great cloud of witnesses cheering for you. Can you feel the excitement? Let’s go on to better things.