PASSION

Every year during the week of Easter I think about the word PASSION.  The word is framed in so many different ways.  For many it means being loud or boisterous.  For others it alludes to being sensual.  Still for others it implies being someone or something’s fan.  Sometimes the word makes me think of my alternate Starbucks drink, a PASSION tea lemonade sweetened, that is when I move away from my tall BOLD coffee.  However, what I think about mostly during this time of the year as well as when I think of the word PASSION is what Jesus was willing to endure to mankind.  

The best definition I have ever heard for the word is “the degree of difficulty one is willing to endure in order to reach the goal.”  The goal for Jesus was to glorify His Father.  This found expression in providing redemption for all mankind through his life, death, burial and resurrection.  He endured beating, scorn, shame, and mockery in order to reach the Fathers heart and ours.  I am so grateful that he was willing to be PASSIONate for me.  Hebrews 12:2 in the Message says “Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in.  Study how he did it.  Because he never lost sight of where he was headed-that exhilarating finish in and with God-he could put up with anything along the way:  cross, shame, whatever.  And now he’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God.”

Let’s reorient our lives to the true north of the cross and resurrection.  Once repositioned may we keep our eyes on His PASSION.