NO SHORT-CUT
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
What we do see is Jesus, who for a little while was given a position “a little lower than the angels”; and because he suffered death for us, he is now “crowned with glory and honor.” Yes, by God’s grace, Jesus tasted death for everyone. God, for whom and through whom everything was made, chose to bring many children into glory. And it was only right that he should make Jesus, through his suffering, a perfect leader, fit to bring them into their salvation.
Hebrews 2:9-10 NLT
TODAY’S THOUGHT
Jesus became the “perfect leader” through “his suffering.” Think about that a moment!
God’s plan for redeeming humanity involved a horrible, painful crucifixion. It was not only physically painful but emotionally humiliating. But the suffering was part of the process so that Jesus could be “crowned with glory and honor.”
Jesus already had “glory and honor” as the Son of God—part of the Godhead. Jesus was present for creation because “all things were made by Him” (John 1:2). Yet, Jesus was willing to suffer the crucifixion for two reasons—to purchase our salvation and to give us an example that suffering is part of the process of reaching God’s perfect plan for our lives.
We do not seek to suffer. But when suffering comes, we are willing to accept it as part of God’s process to work in our lives. We do not develop the character of Christ and fruit of the Spirit unless we are willing to suffer.
Very few of us in America will be called on to die for our faith. Thousands around the world are answering that call every year because of the political and religious climates where they live. But we in America will be called on to live our lives in a way that sometimes will conflict with the choices and lifestyles of others around us.
We may be called on to live by a different standard of behavior. We may be called on to accept some rejection. We may be allowed to go through some pain and suffering to let others know how a follower of Jesus handles adversity.
There is no short-cut to character development!
TODAY’S PRAYER
Holy Spirit I need Your help. I want You to grow the fruit of the Spirit in my life actions. I understand that to develop the character of Jesus I may be required to walk through difficult times. Please work in me the strength to lean into You in the difficult moments.
“Scroll down to share what you feel God is saying based on today’s reading.”