DAILY?READINGS: 2 Kings 18; Jeremiah 51:25-64; 1 Timothy 2
…who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross… Hebrews 12:2
The cross was a time of fearful suffering: spiritual, emotional and physical. Christ did not enjoy the cross; He endured it. He knew beforehand the nature of his death. For months He told His disciples that in Jerusalem He would be rejected, humiliated, scourged and nailed to a cross. What sustained Him through that awesome suffering? Part of the answer is the joy of having a vast throng of the redeemed in heaven with Him. When sinners turn to Him it gives Him much joy. When believers follow Him and live for Him it makes His heart glad. Let’s give Him joy by our lives. —Donald L. Norbie
I gave, I gave My life for thee;
What has thou given for Me? —Frances R. Havergal