by Desiree Bustamante

Christ endured the cross to live eternally with you.

“Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.” 
Hebrews 12:2b New Living Translation

This gloomy, desolate, muddy road does not appear to lead to anything joyful. It’s foreboding and a little creepy since the clouds are blocking the sunlight. Many people would pass by this road and travel to a brighter place.

Jesus road to His death was arduous and oppressive. He was God’s Son, a King, yet he didn’t display any royalty or power to defeat His adversaries. He willingly and humbly allowed those with earthly authority and all His enemies to lead Him down the foreboding road to His crucifixion and death.

It’s hard to imagine that someone could keep anything joyful in mind when facing such persecution, yet Jesus kept His focus on the joy that lay before Him—you! He desired everyone to be free from sin and death. He longed for the time when we would joyfully reign with Him in heaven, as Christ has reunited with His Father and now rules His kingdom from a place of honor having conquered sin, death and Satan.

His joy was our salvation, and Christ walked down the somber road leading to His death to see His Father’s promise to us come true. Even on the cross, Christ was looking to a future time where all those who worship Him would live in His light and love.

This Lent, our response to His sacrifice should be this verse:

“Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe.” 
Hebrews 12:28 New Living Translation

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