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by Dr Andre and Jenny Roebert
Saturday, 18 August 2018 | Reading taken from Hebrews 5:9 (AMPC)
When Jesus went to the cross, to suffer for our sin, the Bible says He endured it and ignored the shame because of the joy that was set before Him (Hebrews 12:2). He knew that in obeying His Father's will, we would not only be reconciled to God, we would be free from having to suffer the horrible effects of the curse, and would reign in life with Him. Jesus knew that obedience to His Father, even in this, was not for nothing. He had complete confidence that He could trust His Father's nature and judgement, to follow through with what was required of Him. If the cost was so great, He believed the outcome and reward would be far greater. Just the same, we can trust that not one Word our God ever says is for nothing. Isaiah 45:19 says, "I have not spoken in secret, in a corner of the land of darkness; I did not call the descendants of Jacob [to a fruitless service], saying, Seek Me for nothing [but I promised them a just reward]. I, the Lord, speak righteousness (the truth - trustworthy, straightforward correspondence between deeds and words); I declare things that are right." Jesus knew this about His Father, that's why He trusted and obeyed Him. And His reward was far greater than any that will ever be given! He became the Author and Source of eternal salvation to all who trust and obey Him! Do you see it? Jesus gave and emptied Himself, so that we could gain life and reign with Him. To Him, the cost was totally worth it! In light of this, our reluctance to trust and obey Him in all things seems so futile and shortsighted. If the Lord has impressed on your heart to do something, remind yourself of this truth: He never asks us to do anything for nothing! There is always a deliberate plan for good behind every instruction, a plan we may not see or understand now, but we can trust Him enough to know the reward will be far greater than the cost. Learn to trust and obey His Word, all the time, and with joy, just as Jesus did. You can expect the benefits to extend far further than you realise.