Every parent has heard the inquisitive “why” coming from the lips of their small children. Why is…the sky blue, the sun hot, grass green, etc! When those questions became greater than my limited knowledge my final answer would be “because that’s the way God planned it”.
In yesterday’s blog we saw that Jesus is our example for staying the course, not giving up in life’s race. He experienced life’s difficulties and hardships so that we can go to Him for help, knowing He has been where we are. We can draw on His strength!
But Why?…
“For a short time Jesus was made lower than the angels, but now we see him wearing a crown of glory and honor because he suffered and died. Because of God’s grace, Jesus died for everyone.
10 God—the one who made all things and for whose glory all things exist—wanted many people to be his children and share his glory. So he did what he needed to do. He made perfect the one who leads those people to salvation. He made Jesus a perfect Savior through his suffering… 14 These children are people with physical bodies. So Jesus himself became like them and had the same experiences they have.”
Why?
“Jesus did this so that, by dying, he could destroy the one who has the power of death—the devil. 15 Jesus became like these people and died so that he could free them. They were like slaves all their lives because of their fear of death… 17 For this reason, Jesus had to be made like us, his brothers and sisters, in every way. He became like people so that he could be their merciful and faithful high priest in service to God. Then he could bring forgiveness for the people’s sins. 18 And now he can help those who are tempted. He is able to help because he himself suffered and was tempted.” Hebrews 2:9-18 ERV
Jesus finished the work He came to do for us.
Without His “It is finished” on the cross our way of salvation would not have been complete. Just like an athlete He crossed the finish line of life and rose victorious from the grave. When we cross that line there will be no fear but only hope and rejoicing as we are welcomed into heaven.
We discipline ourselves by being obedient to God’s word which keeps us from being ruled by our bodies or our emotions. Our enemy would like to draw us off course or destroy our training but when we keep our eyes on Jesus and are strengthened by God’s word we succeed. We are victorious, more than conquerors, overcomers in this life.
May I encourage you if you have felt like quitting – don’t!
Why?
“I don’t mean that I am exactly what God wants me to be. I have not yet reached that goal. But I continue trying to reach it and make it mine. That’s what Christ Jesus wants me to do. It is the reason he made me his. 13 Brothers and sisters, I know that I still have a long way to go. But there is one thing I do: I forget what is in the past and try as hard as I can to reach the goal before me. 14 I keep running hard toward the finish line to get the prize that is mine because God has called me through Christ Jesus to life up there in heaven.” Philippians 3:12-14 ERV
Keep going – the reward makes it all worth while!