I wish that I could tell you that my children are always obedient; that they willingly carry out the tasks I've asked them to. But truthfully, half the time I think I'm talking to myself! And because some of our beautiful children are hitting tween territory, 'obedience' is often accompanied by some pretty heavy sighing and rolling of eyes.
Jesus is our Saviour, but He is also the Son of God - and as a son He said this:
Jesus love for the Father led Him to obedience, and that obedience led Him to the Cross. Philippians 2:8 tells us that He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death - even death on a cross! To die on a cross was to die a criminal's death and as a Jew it was to die a cursed death. But Jesus was willing to be obedient to the Father, even when it cost Him everything because He loved Him and He trusted in His plans and purposes.
Obedience led Him to the Cross and then joy kept Him there.
As Jesus endured the unimaginable He kept the joy of being with the Father before Him; He kept the joy of bringing us to the Father before Him. When Jesus told the disciples that He had to leave them, He said it was so He could go and prepare a place for them in the Father's house. The Cross is what has prepared our room; the obedience and sacrifice of Jesus is what makes it possible for us to be part of God's household.
Jesus actions teach us that love is evidenced by obedience - in caring about and carrying out the things that matter to the Father. And that obedience produces joy, it releases His presence.
Today as we remember the Cross may we be thankful for the price that Jesus was willing to pay to make room for us in the Father's house.
Live today with purpose, Aimee
Jesus, I acknowledge that You are the Son of God. Today I remember not only the depths of Your love for me, but also how much You love the Father. Thank You for Your obedience - even to death on a cross. Thank You that that death has made room for me in the Father's house. I am forever grateful. Amen.
