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Was it Worth It? - April 05, 2007
John 19:30 -- When he had received the drink, Jesus said, "It is finished." With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. (NIV)
Last time I saw the Winter Olympics, I couldn't help but wonder about some of the athletes and the pain and suffering they have endured over the years. For most, just to have one small, minute chance to stand upon a podium surrounded by others like them, adorned with a precious medal and have the world proclaim that they are the best.
I think of the many snowboarders, skiers, ice skaters and lugers, and the interviews conducted with each of them. A typical one might reveal that they've had several broken bones, nine surgeries, two concussions and a whole lot of "minor" injuries over the years of hard work, training and competing. For many, these injuries have been enormous and the physical pain and rehabilitation needed to come back to perform again, almost inconceivable.
Why would someone risk their life, in some respect, just for a split second where they can step into the spotlight of glory? Is it really worth it? As I thought about this question, I remembered watching a snowboard cross race where American Seth Wescott, gritted out a dramatic finish and won by the nose of his board. When the mile-long smile crossed his beaming face and he lifted an American flag high above his head, I could tell for that very special moment that he knew he was the best. All of the endless hours of preparation, the brokenness of his body, the blood, sweat and tears of painful falls and the hurt from critical words from those who said he was no good, came down to that moment in the sun. And, YES, it was worth it.
Now, think back more than two thousand years ago to a lonely cross on a hill called Golgotha. It wasn't an athlete that day, but a sinless man whose body was being beaten beyond recognition. His beard was savagely pulled out of His face and the pain from the nine-inch nails being slammed into His wrists must have been unbearable. Many surrounded him and called him terrible, degrading and unspeakable names. He was "adorned" with a disfiguring crown of thorns as they continued to hurl insult after insult at Him. He courageously endured the pain and the suffering intended for Him before the beginning of time.
As He fought to breathe His last breath and felt the fading sunshine against His brow, He called out to His Father in heaven and said "It is Finished." Then, His loving Father, as He looked into the eyes of the many souls that would be saved, and with tears streaming down His Holy face said, yes, my beloved Son, it is finished.
And, at that moment in time, we now know that Jesus did what He had to do because WE were worth it! And, that very special We includes -- You!
Contributed by Diane Check: [email protected] Diane has enjoyed writing short morning "thoughts for the day" for associates at her insurance company for the past few years. She lives in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, with her husband and son. Visit Diane's Web site.
John 19:30 -- When he had received the drink, Jesus said, "It is finished." With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. (NIV)
Last time I saw the Winter Olympics, I couldn't help but wonder about some of the athletes and the pain and suffering they have endured over the years. For most, just to have one small, minute chance to stand upon a podium surrounded by others like them, adorned with a precious medal and have the world proclaim that they are the best.
I think of the many snowboarders, skiers, ice skaters and lugers, and the interviews conducted with each of them. A typical one might reveal that they've had several broken bones, nine surgeries, two concussions and a whole lot of "minor" injuries over the years of hard work, training and competing. For many, these injuries have been enormous and the physical pain and rehabilitation needed to come back to perform again, almost inconceivable.
Why would someone risk their life, in some respect, just for a split second where they can step into the spotlight of glory? Is it really worth it? As I thought about this question, I remembered watching a snowboard cross race where American Seth Wescott, gritted out a dramatic finish and won by the nose of his board. When the mile-long smile crossed his beaming face and he lifted an American flag high above his head, I could tell for that very special moment that he knew he was the best. All of the endless hours of preparation, the brokenness of his body, the blood, sweat and tears of painful falls and the hurt from critical words from those who said he was no good, came down to that moment in the sun. And, YES, it was worth it.
Now, think back more than two thousand years ago to a lonely cross on a hill called Golgotha. It wasn't an athlete that day, but a sinless man whose body was being beaten beyond recognition. His beard was savagely pulled out of His face and the pain from the nine-inch nails being slammed into His wrists must have been unbearable. Many surrounded him and called him terrible, degrading and unspeakable names. He was "adorned" with a disfiguring crown of thorns as they continued to hurl insult after insult at Him. He courageously endured the pain and the suffering intended for Him before the beginning of time.
As He fought to breathe His last breath and felt the fading sunshine against His brow, He called out to His Father in heaven and said "It is Finished." Then, His loving Father, as He looked into the eyes of the many souls that would be saved, and with tears streaming down His Holy face said, yes, my beloved Son, it is finished.
And, at that moment in time, we now know that Jesus did what He had to do because WE were worth it! And, that very special We includes -- You!
Contributed by Diane Check: [email protected] Diane has enjoyed writing short morning "thoughts for the day" for associates at her insurance company for the past few years. She lives in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, with her husband and son. Visit Diane's Web site.
