 [Heb 12:1-3 NASB95] “1 Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”
Jesus despised the shame or humiliation of dying on the Cross.
How?
Jesus fixed His eyes on what was beyond the current circumstance. He did not allow the present pain and the horrors of hostility that He would experience on the Cross keep Him doing what He purposed to do: save humanity.
John Piper says it was something like this:
“Listen to me, Shame, do you see that joy in front of me? Compared to that, you are less than nothing. You are not worth comparing to that! I despise you. You think you have power. Compared to the joy before me, you have none. Joy. Joy. Joy. That is my power! Not you, Shame. You are worthless. You are powerless.
You think you can distract me. I won’t even look at you. I have a joy set before me. Why would I look at you? You are ugly and despicable. And you are almost finished. You cover me now as with a shroud. Before you can say, ‘So there!’ I will throw you off like a filthy rag. I will put on my royal robe.
You think you are great, because even last night you made my disciples run away. You are a fool, Shame. You are a despicable fool. That abandonment, that loneliness, this cross — these tools of yours — they are all my sacred suffering, and will save my disciples, not destroy them. You are a fool. Your filthy hands fulfill holy prophecy.
Farewell, Shame. It is finished.” (https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/what-does-it-mean-for-jesus-to-despise-shame)
We will share in His experience
This weekend we are going to walk the cross around our region. (More information below). As we do so, there is a certain amount of humility it takes to walk the cross. People view it as strange. Even unnecessary.
Yet, walking the cross has great value. As we overcome the shame and humiliation of walking the cross, it serves as a reminder to those who see us that God came to this world and died to save it. It opens doors for us to bring people to the knowledge of Jesus Christ.
Walk of the Cross
Join us as we walk the cross in our region. The walk will be only 1 hour. Each person who wants to carry the cross will be given an opportunity.
- Friday, March 26 at 7 PM at the Big Four Bridge.
- Saturday, March 27 at 12 Noon. TWO LOCATIONS: New Albany (McDonald’s on State Street) & Charlestown (at Evangel Charlestown Church)
- Sunday, March 28 after the 11 AM service.
We will be socially distancing and encourage your family to wear a mask. Our staff will be following CDC safety guidelines.
TWO ways to enjoy the services:
1. In-person with social distancing (see image below)
2. Join us online three ways via Facebook Live (Evangel North Church), YouTube Live (John Carmichael Ministries), or http://evangelnorth.net/live-on-demand/.#YesWeAreOpen |
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