Pondering the greatest and ultimate sacrifice, Christ made on behalf of the human race, one's finite mind cannot fathom the enormity of it all. It takes the Holy Spirit to lead and guide us into all truth, teaching us what we in ourselves are incapable of grasping. As we grow in the knowledge of him who gave us himself, we can then appreciate more and more the reality and relevance of his enduring love.
The dictionary defines love as “An intense affectionate concern for or passionate attraction to another person.” The Word of God says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him shall not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)
So fervent and intense was his love for lost souls, Christ did not regard the pain He would endure: The accusations, mocking, scourging, insults, taunts, betrayal, and denials. If he had considered these things, he would have done like his friends— He would have found the nearest exit and flee into obscurity, but His purpose was ordained, and He was intent on its fulfillment. Fulfilling the will of his Father was His mandate, and He was not to be stopped by detractors.
Such enduring love was demonstrated to the fullest extent. There are few who willingly give up their own lives without a fight. In His agony, you could hear Him in your heart whisper, “I love you.” You could feel it as He opened his mouth and said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34)
You saw it in His full surrender, as He gave them His hands and His feet. He did not clench His fist, but opened His palms to the thrust of the nails. He could have exercised His authority and divine powers in their midst. He could have disappeared to their utter amazement, but He didn’t...he endured!
He knew it was our sins that alienated us from true fellowship with our Maker; He knew we were prisoners of His greatest adversary Lucifer and the fallen angels. Once the works of the devil were destroyed, and the sting was taken out of death, we could experience the healing of our own wounds.
“He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities, the chastisement of our peace was upon Him, and with His stripes we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5)
Let us therefore thank God for His enduring love; He has shed his love abroad in our hearts. May we reciprocate and love the Lord our God, with all our heart, and mind and soul, and our neighbor as ourselves. Let us abide in His enduring love!
A Walk In The Garden Devotionals
