Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. (Hebrews 2:2)
The bystanders gaped as Jesus faced the shame of sin. Not his mind you, but yours and mine. The shame of the cross must have been a humiliating experience. His mother before him looking on his nakedness made it even worse. They hung him between two thieves, and a murderer was set free on his account. What a shameful experience!
How was Jesus able to disregard such disgrace? The answer to this question may be the source God wants to use to help you assuage your fears. The only way we can endure our shame is to focus where Jesus focused: "because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame" (Hebrews 12:2). Jesus focused on the prize set before him. You and I are the prizes that Jesus died for. He purchased our redemption; therefore, all who believe in him are legally his.
As redemptive prizes we can now sing, "Now I belong to Jesus and Jesus belongs to me." What a heavenly chorale those words make! Why not sing it along with me as the day unfolds?
Thoughts for the Day: Shame is the consequence for yielding to temptation.
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