We WON'T be perfect in our quest to imitate HIM, yet, by DOING what HE bids of us, we are taken ever closer TO HIM, TO TRUTH, and TO our REALITY! We LEARN FROM HIM, as we seek to improve ourselves that we bear fruit worthy OF HIM; FOR HIS GLORY...
What was the source of the passion of Christ? It was his intense love for mankind. The great love of Jesus resulted in his extreme commitment to walk a very precise and narrow path to redeem mankind. For the sake of restoring humans to fellowship with God, he made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant by being made in human likeness (Philippians 2:6-7). His passionate love caused him to leave the glory of heaven to take human form and live an obedient life of self-sacrifice required by the holiness of God. Only such a selfless life could produce the pure and innocent blood sacrifice required to cover the sins of those who put their faith in him (John 3:16; Ephesians 1:7).
The passion of Christ was directed by the Father's will and resulted in a
life whose purpose was the cross (John 12:27). Jesus was dedicated to
accomplishing the requirements foretold by prophecies and the will of
the Father. In Matthew 4:8-9, the devil offered Jesus the kingdoms of
the world in exchange for his worship. This offer represented a way for
Jesus to establish his kingdom on earth without the cross. It may have
seemed like an easy shortcut, but Jesus was passionate to accomplish the
exact plan of the Father and so rejected it.
In John 6:14-15, a crowd tried to make Jesus a king by force, but he
again rejected their attempt because it would have deviated from the
cross. The final words of Jesus from the cross were a triumphant
proclamation. Like a runner crossing the finish line in agony, yet with
great emotion in overcoming obstacles, Jesus says "It is finished!"
(John 19:30).
The passion of Christ originated in love, was directed by the purpose of
God, and was lived in dependence on the presence of God. Jesus declared
that every word that he said was given to him by the Father who
commanded him what to say and how to say it (John 12:49). In order for
this to happen, Jesus lived every moment in the presence of the Father.
Every thought, word, and action of Jesus was given to him by the Father
(John 14:31).
The passion of Christ was energized by the power of God. Jesus healed
the sick, restored the paralyzed, calmed the sea, fed the multitudes,
and raised the dead through the power of God. Even when he was handed
over to the mob led by Judas,
he spoke and they fell back onto the ground (John 18:6). Jesus was
always in control of his life. He said that more than twelve legions, or
in excess of thirty-six thousand angels, would respond to his commands
(Matthew 26:53).
Jesus was not just a good man who fell victim to evil circumstances. On
the contrary, he predicted the manner of his death and the time and
place chosen by the Father (Matthew 26:2). Jesus was not a powerless
victim. He embraced death to accomplish our redemption and rose from the dead in power and majesty!
The life of Christ has set a pattern for living a passionate life for
him. Believers in Jesus experience a spiritual birth that results in the
indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit (John 3:3; 1 Corinthians 6:19). Therefore, believers have everything needed to live a passionate life for Christ.
First and foundational to everything else is the importance of building a
love relationship with Jesus. Deuteronomy 6:5 says, "Love the Lord your
God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your
strength." This is a lofty command but one that is critical for believers to strive to attain.
The love of Jesus is the most precious, personal, and intense relationships. Believers must learn to live in daily, if not momentary dependence on Jesus, seeking his will and experiencing his presence. This begins with setting thoughts on God. Proverbs 23:7 says that what we think about defines us.
Paul says that believers are to set their minds on what is pure, lovely,
excellent, and praiseworthy and God will be with you (Philippians
4:8-9). It may not be possible to do this at all times, but the key is
to find the places, ways, and times where God is presently experienced
and build on these. The more God is experienced, the more your mind will
dwell on him and with him. This produces ever-increasing praise,
worship, and thoughts of God that translate into actions that express
love and seek to honor him.
In practicing the presence of God, the purpose of God is discovered. This is summed up in the Great Commission where
Jesus commands his disciples to go and tell others everything that he
has revealed to them (Matthew 28:19-20). This is key to understanding
and following God’s plan for our lives. The knowledge and experiences
that God gives us will help us discover his purpose for our lives.
Sharing personal encounters with God makes for passionate expressions of
teaching, praise, and worship!
Finally, the power of God is manifest in actions stemming from the love,
purpose, and presence of God. God energizes us resulting in heightened
joy and boldness to do his will. Evidence of the power of God revealed
through believers includes unexpected insights and blessings.
Other evidence of the power of God flowing through believers includes changed lives and spiritual growth based on increased faith, wisdom, and knowledge. Ever present with the power of God is his love that transforms our lives inspiring us to be passionate in our pursuit of Christ! Mueller, Warren. "Understanding the Passion of Christ in the Bible."
In the above we see 'the source of the PASSION OF CHRIST, the direction of HIS PASSION, the dependence of HIS PASSION, the POWER OF HIS PASSION, the pattern of HIS PASSION, HIS LOVE as our relational connection, as in our relationship with HIM, and the PURPOSE OF *GOD*, as well as the POWER OF *GOD*' in HIS PLAN of SALVATION for those who LOVE HIM! I find this a great outline for considering our part in HIS WILL, and for mapping our journey on THE PATH...
HOLY seasons are meant to renew our passion for THE LORD *GOD*, as we aspire to better REFLECT HIM, which means we have stepped INTO HIS WILL, and are existing as best as we can accordingly! Such times are for reflection, and for assessing just how far we are willing to allow our passion for HIM to SHINE in the world...
What CHRIST JESUS, our SAVIOUR has endured for us IS incredible, awesome, and humbling! In NO way could we ever hope to repay HIM, but that we long to be ONE WITH HIM, and abide IN HIS WILL IS exactly what HE longs for! HE KNOWS that we are NOT able to do much without HIM, but WITH HIM ALL IS POSSIBLE, and WILL find great recompense when the time has come...
It IS SO difficult for people to grasp the depth of commitment necessary TO our TRUTH IN HIM, though let us NEVER tire in trying to, and let us NOT grow weary as we move forward IN HIS NAME!!!
LWINSOR © 2021
BIBLICAL, and/or other references marked BOLDLY IN COLOURS
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