We've come to the last name of our study during this Lenten season. I think that it's a fitting end because it not only keeps our focus on Jesus but encourages us to run our race in confidence knowing that He will bring us to our ultimate goal of salvation!
It should be noted: I'm an NIV gal. So the NIV has translated the reference to this name as "Author and Perfecter of our Faith". That's a good translation. But some other translations have used "Source" or "Founder" instead of Author and the point is still the same. It all comes from Jesus!
As we enter into Holy Week, may this be your focus. All that Jesus went through and accomplished was for you and me! It strikes me in Hebrews 12 when it reads, "For the joy set before him he endured the cross,scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."
For the joy?! Surely there was nothing joyful for Him in the flogging, ridicule and painful crucifixion?
I recently finished a study of the fruits of the Spirit, joy being one of them. We tend to think of joy as a feeling. We are joyful in reaction to something that we would perceive as good and positive. But joy is actually an attitude that God has a good plan for me. That means that instead of defining joy by how I feel, I can recognize God's good plan for me even in the midst of trouble and hardship and choose joy.
Jesus is our perfect example of this. Jesus could see the plan even while enduring the cross. He was joyful knowing that His act of love through horrendous suffering would be our salvation. What wondrous love is this!
Your assignment for this week is to SAVOUR HOLY WEEK.
Walk with Jesus as He rides into Jerusalem this morning on Palm Sunday and shout Hosanna as loud as you can! Attend Maundy Thursday service if you are able. Sit at the table as Jesus institutes the Lord's Supper, forever connecting us to Him, preserving and growing our faith through bread and wine in, with and under His body and blood. Mourn the suffering on Good Friday that He endured out of love for mankind, taking that sorrow and putting all your sins at the foot of the cross. And come back on Easter Sunday ready to shout your Alleluias in praise to our Saviour for the salvation He has accomplished on our behalf!
May you have a blessed Easter knowing that the Author and Perfecter of our Faith has triumphed over the grave!
I pray this study was helpful in drawing you closer to Jesus as we studied the aspects of His different names - each of which lets us see Him in a slightly different light. All of which show Him to be exactly what we need! Thank you for taking this journey with me:)
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