Protecting the Passion; Staying on Fire for Jesus

Part 3 of 3: Stay focused

History is full of people who maintained and even grew in their passion for God. In Hebrews chapter 11 we can even read a whole list of many of their names and deeds in what some have termed, “the hall of faith.”

Besides that list, there have been many hundreds of thousands of people in history who have lived fully passionate lives for the glory of God, standing on His promises no matter how rough things got – even unto their own deaths. It is of these men and women of passionate faith the writer of Hebrews speaks when he referred to a “cloud of witnesses,” and wrote;

“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our 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.” (Hebrews 12:1-2)

And what was “the joy set before” Jesus? It was the joy of lost men and women being reconciled back to God! It was the joy of seeing the rebellious, prodigal sons and daughters of God coming back home to Him as the result of Jesus taking the wrath we deserved from a good and holy God on Himself. It was the joy of seeing God glorified in the lives of people who for so long refused to acknowledge God, previously hating God while loving their sin. It was the joy of Jesus, the perfect bridegroom, releasing His bride, the church, from a debt she could not pay!
           
When we focus on this truth; that God really does love us and endured ultimate pain and ultimate humiliation through shedding His “God-ness” and living, suffering and dying as a man that we might come into loving relationship with Him, how can we not burn with passion for His fame!?
           
Yet difficulty, temptation and pain come our way daily. We get worn down. Tired out. That’s why the writer of Hebrews further encourages us to look at the life of Jesus:
“For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. You have not yet resisted to bloodshed striving against sin.” (Hebrews 12:3-4)
           
It is in this encouragement that we see the very definition of the ancient concept of passion reflected in Jesus. Hundreds of years ago, people recognized a passionate person as one who willingly endured submission, suffering and pain. Jesus, because of His desire to attain, “the joy set before Him,” became the most passionate person in all of human history. His passion did not simply stop at emotion. It determined His every action unto His torturous death, and thank God, His resurrection as well.
           
If we truly desire to live as passionate people, burning with desire for God’s glory here on the earth in our daily lives, we would do well to consider Jesus as often as possible, imitating the way He lived and if necessary, doing so unto our own deaths. We do this not because of religious obligation, but because of the joy set before us of living like the One who saved us and made the ultimate sacrifice that He might win our hearts back to Him. We live passionately for Jesus because we are absolutely assured that He is the perfect Lover of our souls.
           
If you found the perfect mate; that perfect husband or that perfect wife, to what lengths would you go to be with them and enjoy their love while also pouring out your love on them?  Isn’t God’s love so much greater than that? It’s hard to believe in this fallen world, but He really is that Good!

Let’s remind each other to focus on God’s love reflected in Jesus. This way we may enjoy a passion that drives us for all eternity as God pours out His love on us and we pour out our love on Him.