“Enduring The Cross!”

“Enduring The Cross!”(Heb.5:7-9).
“During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered and once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him.”
As his last days drew near, Jesus was in turmoil. He agonized when he thought of the cross. He prayed that his Father should take the cup away from him. He wished it could not happen, but he obediently succumbed to his Father’s will. It had to be the cross if he had to fulfil his mission.
Because of his reverent submission his Father heard him. His prayer was answered favourably; not against the cross, but by his resurrection after the cross.
When I pray for someone who is critically sick and later on I hear that the person is dead, it does not surprise me. I only know that the LORD answered my prayer because my prayer included the words, “LORD, let your will be done.”
The LORD heard Jesus’ agonising prayers and answered him because Jesus was obedient. Death is an imperfection, but through death Jesus was made perfect as he overpowered death.
Jesus did not overpower death by not dieing; he overpowered death through the resurrection. He now has the title of The “Anointed,” or “Messaiah” or “the Christ.“
He is now “the eternal source of salvation for all who obey him.”
Just as he became Christ through obedience to his Father, we too merit salvation only if we obey him. Obedience to the Lord Jesus Christ is that those of us who through sin have wandered far away from God should return to him. We have the blessed assurance of heavenly pardon: “…though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. If you are willing and obedient…”(Is.1:18b-19a).
Weekend prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, guide me to follow you and your footsteps on the path of obedience. Amen!
Have a blessed weekend! Peace be with you!
Rev Babila Fochang.