Holy Week - “An Enduring Heart”
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. Hebrews 12:1-3
Take a moment to read Hebrews 12:1-3 one more time, and as you do consider the incredible heart of Jesus expressed in this passage. Then before you move, ask God to reveal more of Christ’s heart to you!
Insight
Before we celebrate Easter Sunday, we can't overlook that dark Saturday. The day Jesus spent in the tomb was a time of silence, confusion, and waiting. However, during that day, we witness the enduring and steadfast nature of Jesus.
When they laid Jesus in the tomb, His followers were devastated. Witnessing their hope and their Savior die on the cross and disappear into the grave left them heartbroken. However, Jesus had told them He would rise again, so they waited eagerly for what would come next.
As we meditate on this day, we encounter the enduring heart of Jesus that sustained Him even in death. He had come to live among us, to experience both the joys and the sorrows of life, and to lay down His life for us. His death revealed to us the depth of His love and the power of His sacrifice.
In the tomb, Jesus was alone but not abandoned. His Father was with Him, even in the darkness. As we face struggles and adversity, we can trust that we are not alone either. The enduring heart and presence of Jesus are with us, holding us close and carrying us through.
On the day that Jesus spent in the tomb, He revealed that even in death, hope prevails. His resurrection would come, and with it, the promise of new life. As we walk in that new life in our broken world, we can rely on the enduring heart of Jesus, which never gives up, never gives in, and always endures.
In the tomb, Jesus also demonstrated the power of surrender. He had given His life for us, and now He surrendered Himself to the Father's will. Jesus trusted that God would raise Him up and patiently submitted Himself to that process. As we offer ourselves to God's will, we can trust He will also give us the strength to walk through our situation with courage and faith.
Finally, on the day Jesus spent in the tomb, He exemplified the beauty of sacrifice. He had given everything for us, and now He lay in the grave as a symbol of that sacrifice. As we reflect on His sacrifice, we can be inspired to give of ourselves entirely - to love and serve others and live with an enduring heart that never gives up on the people we care about.
The day that Jesus spent in the tomb reveals the enduring heart of Jesus - that even in the darkest moments of life, hope remains. It highlights the power of surrender, sacrifice, and the importance of love. As we follow in His footsteps, we can trust that His enduring heart will sustain us through every trial and every joy. Therefore, let us hold fast to hope, surrender ourselves to His will, sacrifice for others, and love with an enduring heart that never gives up.
Reflection
In what ways have you experienced the enduring heart of Jesus in your own life during dark moments? How has this impacted your faith and relationship with God?
How can you embody the qualities of surrender, sacrifice, and enduring love in your life?
Prayer
Dear God, I come to You with a heart full of gratitude for the enduring nature of Jesus that has sustained me through the most challenging moments of my life. Your love and sacrifice carried me through when I felt alone and abandoned. I ask for the strength to hold on to the hope that His resurrection promises, and to trust that You are always with me, even when I can't see You working. May I surrender myself to Your will, find the courage to sacrifice for others, and love with an enduring heart that never gives up, just as Jesus did for me. Amen.