Encourage Me: Beyond Comprehension

Who knows the depths of love that will cause another human being (or animal) to do something extraordinary (or routine)?* Pain can be ignored; fears can be addressed; challenges can be accomplished; important decisions can be made; or making (any kind of) a sacrifice for would not be too great for.

John 3:16 (NIV) tells us exactly what a infinite, sinless God the Father did for imperfect, finite human beings all in the name of love. “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

As a parent of one living child (Allena) here on Earth, there is absolutely nothing (I can think of) that would allow me to want my child to go through the agony Jesus experienced on the cross. My human parental mind can’t understand the sacrifice this was for a loving Father.

For us, He had to abandon His Son in Jesus’ in His greatest time of need (Matthew 27:36, Luke 15:36) all because of our sin (past, present, future)that the holy Father could not view on the bloody body of His only Child, Jesus, on that old wooden cross.

Though I don’t agree with everything biblically portrayed in Mel Gibson’s 2004 movie, The Passion of the Christ, there is one thing the film did help me comprehend much better. The process of crucifixion would have been a horrific way for Jesus (or anyone sentenced to death during that time) to have been put to death.

My meaning of the word “sacrifice” (adapted from) The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language is “to give up something highly valued (like an idea, object, or friendship) for the something else considered of greater value.”

What have you surrendered in your life lately for the greater good of someone else? Are you fully aware of what Jesus (and His Father) forfeited for you? When you recognize it in your own life, are you telling others His amazing grace (that is more than you can even comprehend or imagine (Ephesians 2:8,9).

Though I am proficient in questioning others, my inquisitiveness (and curiosity) is not intended to put you on a spiritual guilt trip because I know that leads to temporary obedience, and not lasting change (like the Almighty desires). I know full well that no one (including me) is at God’s level of perfection, but I am always striving to improve. Can you believe that truth? No one has all of life’s answers no matter how wonderful they are. God’s given you multiple chances in the past to reconnect with Him. Be fair in trusting His will no matter how illogical it seems.

Take some time to read the most understandable (version or translation) of the Bible you can acquire in the near future. Start with Jesus’ life as portrayed in the gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John). It doesn’t matter whether you are a newbie or an expert at this. Ask God for new understanding as you read the scripture. You might be pleasantly surprised with the life-changing discoveries you’ll make.