Lifted Vision Ministry

Happy Holy Week Family of the Faith~
This is a special week as a family of believers where we contemplate with true earnesty, the gravity of the reality of what Jesus Christ has truly done for us. Upon this realization, we are moved to tears, awe-struck, and grateful beyond words. The complexity of what we as Christians experience this week is best described as; mixed emotions of both immense appreciation and sorrow, which simultaneously co-exist upon the recognition of the fact of what Christ accomplished through his sacrifice on the cross.

-James 1: 2-4 NIV-
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

This question resounds: Is it possible for us to have joy in difficult circumstances? I believe the answer is an absolute, “yes” when we look to Jesus and at the sacrifice He made on behalf of all mankind. Just look at the life of Christ: He endured the CROSS; the most horrific execution method known to man. Not only did he endure it, but he took it willingly, for us.
And let’s not be quick to forget: what about God the Father’s sacrifice too? There is no one greater than Jesus Christ in all of history! As God’s only begotten son and our perfect Savior; He was and is God’s best and most prized possession. Yet God sacrifice Him for us. What kind of love is this? The purest form. So the world is confounded by this great love that God demonstrated towards all His children. Who on this earth would willingly sacrifice their own children? Or their most prized possession for others?

-Hebrews 12:2 KJV-
“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.”

Jesus sacrificed Himself for us because He was future-minded, and not present-worried. Jesus knew that joy was the ultimate byproduct of His sacrifice- so He chose suffering to accomplish it. And this joy, was not for a personal satisfaction of joy for Himself, but rather was for the joy that you and I can experience in this life and the next.
Let’s live after Christ’s example, of sacrificing our lives and our best, for the benefit and joy of others. This selfless mentality truly models Christ’s notion towards all of mankind and is quite beautiful in it’s execution. Of course we are flawed, but living after Christ’s example, we are able to not only make an amazing impact in the lives of others, but also in the world!
God bless each and everyone of you as we continue to meditate on the Cross and all that Jesus has already done for us continually!

Please leave your thoughts and comments below! I would love to hear how this week has impacted all of you as well! God bless you always and thank you for reading!