Passion

Passion. What an interesting word. When we think of passion in the context of this world we think of two lovers lost in their “passion” or perhaps two enemies passionately duking it out or maybe even the fat man eyeing the all you can eat lobster and sushi at Todai. Passion, an emotion so strong that you can’t help but to give into it. However, the world has grossly contorted the meaning of this to following your flesh’s desire. Passion. Basically pleasuring yourself in however your emotions dictate. Giving into the selfish desires of your heart. Passion. The beginning of relativism itself, and number one killer of God. Therefore it always seemed odd to me that Jesus’ death on the cross would be described as The Passion. I’m pretty sure Jesus didn’t wake up that morning and think, “yay I’m going to be whipped, stripped, and hung today.. oh joy.” Jesus Christ died on the cross when every human bone inside of Him told him not to. At every lash of the whip I’m sure his body told Him to run away. At every punch and spit at the face I’m sure he wanted so desperately to send lighting from heaven to sizzle the soldiers. At every step up to Calvary I’m sure his mind just told him to give up. But Jesus had passion because despite what his human self wanted, he kept focused on God. Basically his desire to honor the Father FAR outweighed his fleshly desires. Therefore Jesus’ passion, his love for God and us, caused Him to follow the leading of His Father to his death and for that he was forever glorified. Want to experience the passion of the Christ? Want to finally bear his cross? Want to know true humility? Want to finally experience God in power and in glory? Want to have a real “passion” for something? Take everything your flesh is telling you to do, and don’t do it. Passion.

Impossible… God help me…

How good the gracefulness of God.