Holy Determination

Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. author: or, beginner - Hebrews 12:2

    Jesus Christ is God incarnate and therefore cannot sin. Yet He, in his flesh, was afflicted and affected by sin. He endured his cross of suffering through trials, testings, temptations, sorrows, and death. He despised the shame of sin, yet he endured the consequences of it. He was tempted in every way and did not sin, yet he suffered for it. He never sinned in any way, yet he died for it—He endured it. He underwent the penalty for it. He willingly and effectually claimed it for his own. It is not as if he was made sin—He hath made him sin for us (2 Cor 5:21). The life and death of our Redeemer was one of uninterrupted labor, toil, blood, sweat, and tears. His whole life was one of sacrifice—He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief—Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted (Is 53:3-4).

    In all his life he had a holy determination that would not be denied. Whatever the price, whatever the cost, he must accomplish his covenant purpose made with his Father from everlasting. He would not be denied the glory and joy of that accomplishment! That joy set before him was to glorify God in finishing to perfection the great work of the redemption of those whom they loved. The proof of both is that he is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. He is no less determined that all for whom he endured the cross, despising the shame, shall endure to the same end and be with him to forever share in that joy—if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also (Jn 14:3). Let us not be weary and faint as we consider him who endured such contradiction of sin for us. Rather, may we be determined to patiently endure all things for his glory.