Today on the cusp of Easter and all the depths of emotions it brings, I am drawn to Hebrews 12:2 which expresses so clearly Jesus’ heart in going to the cross. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame.
'The joy set before him.’ I used to think that meant the joy Jesus would feel in being released from his suffering and returned to Heaven’s glory. I’ll never forget the day I suddenly had revelation that the joy set before him was the joy of being united with each of us as his bride, beloved child and chosen friend. How deep his anticipation must have been that he was willing to go through the agony of the cross, the mockery, the flogging, and the rejection of his Father because of the blackness of our sins. How can I have possibly merited him giving so much love for me? Yet he did and to me this is the heart message of Easter and what I want to step into and celebrate to the full this holy week.
Ephesians 1:4 shows that God was anticipating us belonging to him from the very beginning of time and had planned for us to be made holy and blameless n his eyes. Thinking about anticipation, there are lots of things I joyfully anticipate... a meal out with special friends; time spent with family; a special celebratory occasion; a piece of chocolate; reading a good book... These are all important joys but nothing comes close to the joy that filled Jesus' heart as he thought of a life together with you and me. In his mind, nothing was too big, dark or ugly, no sorrow was too crippling or fear too strong, for him to carry it all to the cross on our behalf. Even as he gasped for each painful breath and his body screamed for relief, his heart was dwelling on the forgiveness we would all enjoy, that incredible gift of his love. Marilyn sings in one of her worship songs: ’How can I ever understand such love, how you gave your life for me. Yes I long to respond to your love, here’s my heart for eternity.’
(Your love has melted my heart © Marilyn Baker)
Sometimes I almost deliberately choose to hang onto my feelings of unworthiness and shame. But how sad that is when Jesus gave everything so that I could know his love, forgiveness,peace and joy forever.
Surely the greatest response any of us can make this Easter is ‘Thank you Lord Jesus for your incredible love in dying for me. Thank you that you always wanted me to belong to you. Thank you that you have totally forgiven me. Thank you for your gift of everlasting life, that we be together forever in love. O Jesus, I love you so much, I am overwhelmed. I can only say, Yes Lord, here’s my heart for eternity.
