Scripture for Today: Hebrews 12:2b “For the joy set before him, he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

With a name like “passion flower” it would seem more logical to offer these to the love of one’s life rather than roses! The original Latin genus name is “passiflora.” In the early 1700’s missionaries in Brazil used this flower as a teaching aid to explain the crucifixion. Because of the five stamens, they called it the “flower of 5 wounds” referring to the nail wounds in the hands and feet of Jesus and the lance wound in His side. Being that today begins Passion Week, the week leading up to Christ’s resurrection, this flower reminds me of His passion to save.

Today’s verse gives us a glimpse into the passion Jesus felt as He hung on that cross. He endured the pain, the humiliation and the shame. He endured the scorn and the excruciating separation from His Father for the first time in all eternity. And He did it all for the joy set before Him. He knew that death was not the end and that three days later He would rise again! Further, He knew that He would sit down at the Father’s right hand and intercede for us (Romans 8:34).

Why was He so passionate? What was the joy set before Him? Could it have been me? He rescued me because He delighted in me (Psalm 18:19). He takes great delight in me and in His love will no longer rebuke me but rejoices over me with singing (Zephaniah 3:17). Because of His sacrifice an eternal love relationship is now possible. Understandably it is a joy for me. How amazing that I am a joy to Him as well!

Thank you Lord, for being a passionate God!