CRAZY LIKE A LAMB
Hebrews 12: 1, 2 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
O ye of little faith! The world looks to Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane and proclaims, “Ah, Ha, He’s just another man”, look at the worry and fear of your savior!
Jesus did not fear any more than any man fears to redress a wrong through striving and final sacrifice. Any person that goes to a dentist usually goes with fear. Though it is necessary we realize there will be pain and we, in fear, shake our heads and say, “Why, yes, good day to you, too!”, just before the dentist grabs that huge needle. But, worry? There is no evidence Jesus worried. Instead he said, “Father …nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.” This is the statement of a worry free and obedient son. We learn it was for the joy of salvation He endured the cross. Ain’t that crazy? Wouldn’t you think so?
Every day young men and women raise their hands in oath to the United States of America and pledge its defense. When they are close to action there is no running away; no cowering in fear. Instead, it is the fear of losing themselves, their families, and a great nation that pushes them through the ordeal of combat. In many cases it is the fear of combat which makes them great combatants. A soldier, crazy like a fox, bares his fangs and heart to the enemy, all the while protecting others. They do this with joy. Yes, they joy in our protection and salvation from tyranny. Why then do we question the motive of Christ? By one man sin reigned, and death by sin; a tyranny of sin’s dictatorship over our lives unto death. By one man life reigned; even so in Christ shall all be made alive. Of course, for the joy that was set before him!
It was not the forthcoming death which caused agony in the garden. It was not fear of death that rung the blood from His flesh in great drops. It was life. It was the endurance which agonized. It was the specter of approaching shame He despised which agonized. As any good captain before battle Jesus steeled Himself to fight the good fight and finish. Jesus was running a race to the finish none had ever run or could run. No other could take His place. This was His alone. Have you ever had a great burden to endure knowing only you could bear it? Maybe you had to endure making the final goal of a high-school game. All eyes are on you. Perhaps the last inning, score tied, and you’re up to bat? It is up to only you to decide the outcome. Just so, only Jesus can save all men! All eyes should be on Him. All the hopes and dreams of creation rest on the shoulders of Jesus Christ. So, Jesus endured all us and Satan could muster. And, Jesus finished! What joy we may all have!
But, unlike the endurance of a soldier in battle to fight, Jesus had to endure without raising even an attitude of aggression. How hard do you suppose it was for the King of kings to keep from thinking about the legions waiting just for the thought of action? He could have called ten thousand angels. And, he could have thought far less and accomplished far greater destruction. We hung God on that cruel cross! Instead of calling in the Air Force of Heaven to help in His battle, Jesus forbore to suffer alone in inaction. There were no calls for mercy, no help from above. Jesus suffered alone and as a lamb led to the slaughter. A lamb has no knowledge of its impending demise, but God knew, Jesus knew, the Holy Ghost knew, yet the Lamb of God went docile and without complaint. He endured the inaction of miracles while performing the greatest miracle of all time. Such paradox! Only God could have designed it. Only Jesus could have accomplished it. And, though it sounds crazy, only Calvary could have saved us.
What joy in salvation! What sorrow in its accomplishment. What joy in the endurance of Christ! What sorrow in our wicked and sinful part. Oh, God, how we who call ourselves sons of God should forever offer thanks for the only begotten Son of God. How courageous of Christ to rein in His thoughts of conquering men to concentrate on conquering death! There is no medal of honor we could bestow except to receive the gift of eternal life. Another paradox of God’s design! Christ suffers for our gain and we cause His suffering. Imagine, the hero stands by as the Medal of Honor is hung about the neck of all the soldiers he saved in the conflict.
God is in control. And, Jesus by our standards was just plain crazy! Thank God for Jesus Christ, crazy like a lamb!
We’d be crazy to receive the gift of God, right? We’d have to be crazy to live a life within the will of God? Look what it did for Jesus.
Jesus rose from the dead and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. Crazy like a lamb!
Call me crazy too!
How about you?
