At the last supper, Jesus gave thanks to our Father in spite of already knowing the horrific suffering awaiting Him in just a few hours. Even in the garden, He wrestled with the part that He must play in securing mankind's salvation through the centuries. Yet, He did not falter or run away.
While in the garden, as He sweat drops of blood at the thought of
becoming sin for us, He changed His focus from the upcoming crucifixion to the
eternal glory, which awaited Him just beyond the grave (Luke
22:44). Jesus both authored our faith and also prefects it (Hebrews
12:2; Philippians 1:6). That leaves no responsibility for us, except to
respond positively to His overtures (Galatians 2:16).
Jesus not only forgave our sins and supplied our salvation,
but also provided the best future for us that we could ever envision (Romans
6:23; Romans 8:17). He provides all of our needs with His glorious
riches, both now and in eternity (Philippians 4:19). This
allows us to live in everlasting and enduring gratitude to our Father.
Jesus' sacrifice made it possible for us to skip the stages
of death, in order to enter. Our last breath on earth is followed by our next
breath in Heaven (1 Corinthians 15:52-53; 2 Corinthians 5:8). In our
immortal body, we will live in eternal bliss without sin and corruption (Psalm
16:11, 43:4; 1 John 3:2; Romans 8:21). We will sing with angels around
the throne and rule and reign with Him forever (Revelation 7:11; 2 Timothy
2:12).
Prayer:
Father God, You give us all of Your grace in our times of
need in order to help us to see Your hand in every trial (2
Corinthians 9:8). Change our focus from the trauma we feel now to the fact
that this light and momentary affliction pales in comparison to the miracle You
plan for us through this trial (2 Corinthians 4:17). We have
so many reasons to live a life of enduring gratitude to You both now and in
eternity.
Thought for the Day:
Born Again Believers have so much to be thankful for, both
in this life and the next.
