The Power of Sanctified Choice on the Cross
Jesus is such an example of perspective, love and faith amid great pain and challenge.
Hallelujah, what a Savior!
#234 The Power of Sanctified Choice on the Cross
“When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.” John 19:30
A person being crucified would normally have his head bowed all along from the pain, agony and weariness, but Jesus held his head erect. He saw what was happening (for example, he saw his mother). Even though he was on the Cross, he held up his head like a king. Despite all the agony, he tried to keep his composure, but he had no control over his body. Referring on the Cross to his naked and twisted body, Jesus said, “I am a worm.” (These words were prophetically recorded in Psalm 22:6) Jesus could not do anything about the pitiful state of his body, but what he could do, he did. He maintained his composure, even under excruciating pain. Brother Frank Shallieu’s notes on The Book of John
Jesus example inspires us to deep love and appreciation for the depth and manner of his sacrifice.
“And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up; that whoever believes may in him have eternal life.” John 3:14-15
“And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself.” John 12:32
Jesus knew that the only way to obtain the privilege to bless was to be lifted up on a cross.
He was willing to die the humiliating and agonizing death on the cross, bearing our sins, feeling the heavy burden of guilt, accused of blaspheming the God he loved with all his heart. He “despised” #2706 kataphroneo: to disesteem to think down upon or against anyone, hence signifies to think slightly of, to despise. Pain rivets the human mind on the agonizing moment. Faith rivets the mind on the reality of the Heavenly Father and His Greater Cause. Even on the cross, Jesus through his sanctified power of choice considered the pain to be a momentary light affliction, producing an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison. 2 Corinthians 4:16
There will be aspects of our experience over which we have little or no control. But we also, by the grace of God, can exercise our power of sanctified choice. Come what may, may we claim his mercy and strength, and maintain our royal bearing as a daughter of the King, and as the espoused of Christ our Savior.
“…With endurance we should run the race lying before us, looking away to the leader and completer of faith Jesus: who in view of the joy lying before him endured the cross, having despised the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-2
Hallelujah, what a Savior!
#234 The Power of Sanctified Choice on the Cross
“When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.” John 19:30
A person being crucified would normally have his head bowed all along from the pain, agony and weariness, but Jesus held his head erect. He saw what was happening (for example, he saw his mother). Even though he was on the Cross, he held up his head like a king. Despite all the agony, he tried to keep his composure, but he had no control over his body. Referring on the Cross to his naked and twisted body, Jesus said, “I am a worm.” (These words were prophetically recorded in Psalm 22:6) Jesus could not do anything about the pitiful state of his body, but what he could do, he did. He maintained his composure, even under excruciating pain. Brother Frank Shallieu’s notes on The Book of John
Jesus example inspires us to deep love and appreciation for the depth and manner of his sacrifice.
“And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up; that whoever believes may in him have eternal life.” John 3:14-15
“And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself.” John 12:32
Jesus knew that the only way to obtain the privilege to bless was to be lifted up on a cross.
He was willing to die the humiliating and agonizing death on the cross, bearing our sins, feeling the heavy burden of guilt, accused of blaspheming the God he loved with all his heart. He “despised” #2706 kataphroneo: to disesteem to think down upon or against anyone, hence signifies to think slightly of, to despise. Pain rivets the human mind on the agonizing moment. Faith rivets the mind on the reality of the Heavenly Father and His Greater Cause. Even on the cross, Jesus through his sanctified power of choice considered the pain to be a momentary light affliction, producing an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison. 2 Corinthians 4:16
There will be aspects of our experience over which we have little or no control. But we also, by the grace of God, can exercise our power of sanctified choice. Come what may, may we claim his mercy and strength, and maintain our royal bearing as a daughter of the King, and as the espoused of Christ our Savior.
“…With endurance we should run the race lying before us, looking away to the leader and completer of faith Jesus: who in view of the joy lying before him endured the cross, having despised the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-2
