HE ENDURED

Hebrews 12:2 (NKJV) 2 ..., who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, .... 
    The average person is apt to think Christianity is a stroll in the park, or tea cup religion, "I will add to my beliefs," the things that make me happy, with pinky extended "life is good!" What does this mean, I am glad you asked?
    We have only to read the Bible to find God's warriors endured hardship and suffering to pave the way for todays pretty christianity, 1 Peter 1:10-21 they payed the price of life and respect of men to present themselves living sacrifices Romans 12:1. Sit down for a few minutes with Hebrews 11:1-40 to discover their lives meant nothing as long as God's will was being accomplished. Read Paul's second letter to the 2 Corinthians 5:1-8 and know that we are pilgrims here, we have no country in which to lavish luxury so that we feel good. Read the testimony of early church historians to find these martyrs gave all, nothing was as sacred to them as there heavenly home.
     Step back in time with the Israelites, 2 million strong were headed for their great adventure to "the promised land," they wanted luxury, along the way blaming God for their sinful attitudes. How many of the original group actually went in 2, that is .00000001 percent of those who went on the trip. The rest died outside the promised land, statistically speaking, "How should we then live?" Jesus said in Matthew 7:14 "The gate is narrow that leads to life, and few find it."
     Jesus died a horrible, death with few followers, His mother stood near as He took His last breath, (oh everyone considered her a liar), as He cried out to God, "Why have You forsaken Me," many went home grieved proclaiming, "this truly was God!" Luke 23:48
     But wait, I am being a little hard, isn't there some things we can embrace and God overlook, ask Lazarus! Luke 16:20-31
Heavenly Father, I hear the wake up call, let us walk as those who have no home, help us to stand against this enemy of complacency, let our hearts be tuned to Your will. Father let us too despise the shame and walk as those who are alive from the dead. Amen