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. Hebrews 12:2 ESV
We’re all dying, and that’s a cold, hard fact. We’re not always aware of it, of course, which is a gift of grace, but there is also an appropriate pause where we are invited to live with death. I think I am in that place. The older I get, the more the luster wears off the edges of earthly life. I love life, but am wired for more than this world can offer.
Jesus, for the joy he saw beyond death, endured the cross and despised its’ shame, says the writer of Hebrews. Perhaps time, life, and the Holy Spirit are helping me grasp the joy set before me – the resurrection of my own body to a very different reality.
Around us, people chase joy by drastically modifying their appearance through plastic surgery, implants, piercings, tattoos and even gender changes. The skull and crossbones mark everything from children’s clothing to jewelry, as if we can defy death somehow by decorating with it. But symbols and substance are two different things; the grave is a passage we all face despite “no fear” bumper stickers and whatever wrinkle-reliever may be found.
Truthfully, we don’t have to weary ourselves chasing illusions; joy is ours if we accept it: The grave doesn’t end life but becomes a door to a beautiful forever, purchased by a resurrected Savior, joyfully making all things ready.
Prayer: Giver of Life, help me breathe deeply of the beautiful forever. The promise that kept you going, even to the cross.
Dear Reader,
I’m glad you’re along and I pray you will be blessed, challenged, and encouraged in your faith by something you read here.
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ABOUT ME:
Blogger Amy Clemens is the author of Walking When You’d Rather Fly: Meditations on Faith After the Fall. In it she explores childhood sexual abuse and how it impacted her faith (or lack thereof) for four decades. You’ll find not only her story, but better yet, the Big Story of God.
Check out Walking When You’d Rather Fly, and learn more about the book and Amy’s other ministries. You will also find her devotional work at Words of Hope.
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Love your devotionals, Amy. I still have to hesitate and think twice that Asipoblog is you!
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Glad you’re reading along, Naomi! 🙂
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