Looking At And Beyond The Suffering Of Christ

God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21 

  

  The portions of the Bible that I struggle the most to read are at the end of the synoptic gospels. They involve the suffering and death of Jesus.  

 Even unbelievers recognize that the sign of the cross, seen in so many places, is a symbol marking the death of Jesus. 

  When I think of the cross I recall the suffering of one who I love. It is no easier for me to think about the horrible things Jesus suffered and the terrible way He died than it would be for me to think about an awful suffering and death of any of my close loved ones. 

  What makes it even worse is that not only did my beloved Jesus suffer terribly and die, He did so in my place. What He endured should have been my fate, suffering for my own sins, my accountability and just deserts went to Him instead. 

  I don’t think I could face those terrible portions of scripture describing the torment and death of my good Lord if not for the resurrection that followed. Not only am I happy that Jesus arose from death and lives forevermore, I can rejoice in the incredible fact that I will not have to suffer and pay for my sins. Being destined for a dark eternity, instead I will live forever with the One I love! 

  If you have not received Jesus as your Savior you are playing a dangerous game. Even as we Christians live with joy and relief in the knowledge that Jesus paid the price for our sins and bought eternal salvation for all believers, those who do not receive Jesus are without hope. The Easter resurrection is open to all who believe. We who believe can look beyond the suffering of Jesus to the eternal victory He won for us. All others must account for their own sins. 

  Let the cross have meaning and bring joy to you. It is a debt paid, a victory won, but only if you receive Jesus as your Savior. Ask Jesus to come into your heart and redeem you from your sins if you have not yet done so. And if you already are a Christian remember what Jesus endured for you, as painful as that is, and then look beyond it to His glorious resurrection tied to your eternal salvation. 

  Prayer: Dear Lord, we owe You everything. It is a debt we can never repay You. As we recall what You endured, and then won for us, help us to keep a heart full of both gratitude and joy for all that You have done. Amen.