Looking Unto the Cross..... A devotional for day 11 of LENT Monday, March 20

Fixing our eyes on Jesus Hebrews 12:2 states "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus." We strive to focus on Christ as we walk daily with Him. What must it have been like for those who stood at the foot of the cross as Jesus was crucified? The Bible tells us that along with the curious that had gathered, there was also the Roman soldiers, the mother of Jesus, the sister of His mother, Mary the wife of Clopas, Mary Magdalene and also John the disciple described as "the disciple whom He loved." John 19:25-26 The events of the previous days must have seemed like a nightmare. Jesus was arrested, had a mock trial with a guilty verdict and here He was, the Son of God hanging on a cross. Put yourself in the shoes of those who stood nearby as you focus on Jesus. What does this image say to you? Suppose you are His mother, you have watched as God has used your Son in powerful ways to bring His message to the earth, and now you see Him with nails in His hands and feet and with blood running from His pierced side. How can you understand? Suppose you are John. You have given yourself to be a follower of Christ. You have seen Him perform miracles and watched as He ministered to the multitudes. You have staked your life on His message and now you are watching Him on the cross. I cannot imagine how it must have been that day, but I think the feelings going through the minds of those standing by, are not too much different than those things we now feel as we struggle through our lives today. The good news about the confusion that they felt and that we feel was answered three short days later through the resurrection. The Jesus that they knew, and the Jesus that we need in our daily lives had beaten all that the world could throw at Him. He had seen the worst that man had to offer, and He conquered it triumphantly. Oh, how this should comfort our hearts and give comfort as we move from day to day in a world that often shows us the worst. "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning it's shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider His who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." Hebrews 12:2-3 Gary Swartzlander Jackson, MI USA Father With this response to Your love and grace, my hope is to never lose my focus upon You. If I do, I know it will not be counted as Your fault. Let Your majesty always be not only noticeable to me, but through me as well. Let me never be "weary in well doing." May my focus not reside on my effort, but in You. Amen Suggested Daily Scripture Reading [Psalms 56,57,58] [Gen. 41:46-57] [ I Cor. 4:8-21] [Mark 3:7-19a] Visit: 1999 Advent/Christmas Series Epiphany Series You may send e-mail comments or suggestions toYvonne Edwards. Edited: Mar. 17, 2:50 p.m. Page designed by: Cecil Wallace Prayer by: Joe Hittle The background set is provided by Web Art by Sharon Cross button courtesy of The Christian Graphics Gallery Copyright © 2000 NazNet All rights reserved. International copyright secured.