ODJ: adrenaline for the soul
April 21, 2011
At the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (vv.10-11).
READ: Philippians 2:5-11
Using contemporary language, while attempting to capture the depth and vitality of the original words that moved and inspired early believers in Jesus, Eugene Peterson translated Hebrews 12:2-3 this way:
Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how He did it. Because He never lost sight of where He was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—He could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now He’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility He plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls! (The Message).
Over the years, I’ve grown to more deeply appreciate the importance of studying how Jesus boldly lived out His convictions (Philippians 2:6-8). I’m often instructed and deeply moved by His surprising acts of compassion, by His strength to confront injustice, and by His willingness to suffer for a greater good.
I can now better see that my favorite class in Bible college—“The Life of Christ”—wasn’t so much about the teacher as it was the topic. While my teacher was excellent (thank you, Mike Sullivan!), the subject was even better! Simply put, Jesus is the most captivating figure to ever walk the face of the earth.
Going over Jesus’ life is more than just an academic or intellectual exercise. This is not about getting pumped full of information so you can pass an exam or sound “spiritual.” It’s about becoming personally acquainted, captured, and loved by the One whose life, death, and resurrection changed everything (vv.9-11).
Celebrate the life of Jesus “detail by detail.” Soak it in. His reality will “shoot adrenaline” into your heart. —Jeff Olson
Why is it vital for us to frequently read the Gospels and meditate on Jesus’ words and actions? How has He inspired you today?
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