How Much Can We Endure?

FaithWalkDaily 9/9/2008

Since he himself has gone through suffering and testing, he is able to help us when we are being tested. ~ Hebrews 2:18, NLT

In our reading of John 16 this morning, I was overwhelmed with the depth of God's perfect plans surrounding the crucifixion of Christ. Jesus promises His disciples that although He's leaving them, it's for their benefit - that only by leaving will the Holy Spirit become manifest in their lives to guide them always.

Jesus was born of a young, naive, teenage girl, was raised in a poor family that was probably somewhat shunned as a result of the virgin birth that many may not have truly believed, worked hard training under His adoptive father's tutelage, lived a life of total trust on God for every provision after He began His ministry traveling from town to town preaching and teaching, and even providing for the crowds He ministered to. Knowing His own fate, He was obedient to the last step, as He was beaten, tortured, taunted, carried His own vehicle of death the long road to Golgotha and finally was laid out on that rough hewed, splintering cross while brutal spikes were driven furiously through His wrists and feet. Jesus suffered more than you or I can ever imagine. We shudder to think of it; Mel Gibson's graphic depiction in The Passion of Christ was difficult to watch, but we will never know the true nature of Jesus' suffering.

And He did it for our sakes. He did it in order that when He came to us in the form of the Holy Spirit, we might somehow grasp the depths of His love for us, to help us when we face our own inevitable trials as we walk this earth.

Do you get that? Wow. What more can be said?

Lord God of mercy, O Jesus sweet Savior, what have You done? Can we even begin to fathom the depths of Your love and sacrifice? Father, would we meditate on these thoughts today, on the power of Your love, on the reaches of Your compassion, that we might be obedient with each step we take. Give us hearts to be attentive to the gentle voice of the Holy Spirit who never forces us but promises blessings if we but follow His lead. Jesus, be our guiding light every step of the way, for Your word is a light unto my heart, a lamp unto my path. In our test You are all the help we need. In Your holy name we pray, amen.

Clinging desperately to the cross...