For you were called to this, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you should follow in His steps.
He did not commit sin, and no deceit was found in His mouth; when He was reviled, He did not revile in return; when He was suffering, He did not threaten but entrusted Himself to the One who judges justly.
He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, so that, having died to sins, we might live for righteousness; you have been healed by His wounds.     1 Peter 2:21-24 HCSB

Sunday, my ten-year-old niece was complaining because her dad had awakened her to go to church. She complained that she was tired and did not feel like going. My response to her was, “Do you think Jesus felt like going to the cross to die for our sins?” As a matter of fact, we know He did not want to do this because in Matthew 26:39 Jesus prayed, “Father, if possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will but as you will.” Jesus was fully human. He was emotionally distraught because He was fully God, and He knew what was about to happen to Him.  Being fully human He did not want to be tortured, beaten almost to death and hung on a cross to die. Being fully God, He knew it was the only way to save miserable sinners like you and me. He knew it was the only way to provide us with a chance for eternal life.

I’m not picking on my niece here, after all, she’s ten years old. I can remember being her age and not always being so excited about my mom dragging me to church. But now I thank God for it. I thank God my mom taught me that Sundays are for church and time with family. I strayed there for a while and like many others thought Sundays were fun days. They were my last chance to have fun before returning to work on Monday. But I managed to find a church that had an early service, so I was able to go at least a couple times a month before having fun.

I am amazed by the complaints you hear when you invite someone to church. The pews are too hard. The temperature is not just right. I don’t care for the music they play. I don’t like the color scheme in the sanctuary. And the list goes on and on. Thank God, Jesus didn’t decide the cross would be too uncomfortable for a bunch of sinners most of whom wouldn’t appreciate it anyway.

And oh, the excuses, I worked too hard last week I need to rest is one I often used myself. Well Jesus said in Matthew 11:28, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

I get it because there was a time in my life where I didn’t want to suffer to have a closer relationship with Jesus. I went to church if I felt like it. I prayed when I felt like it. I read my Bible when I felt like it, I never studied it. I was suffering living that way, but I wasn’t smart enough to know it.

When I realized how selfish I had been, it broke my heart. I knew I had grieved the Holy Spirit. I thought about how Jesus suffered to assure my salvation. I decided I was willing to suffer for Jesus. Then I learned that being in close relationship with Jesus is not suffering. Oh, I still go through trials and tribulations, but He is right here beside me. He has lightened my load. Are you willing to suffer for Jesus? You might be surprised at how much easier your life will be once you establish a close, personal relationship with Him.

Have a great day!