Adrenaline For The Soul
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Philippians 2:5
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).
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
more›
Read Galatians 2:20 to
better understand what
the depth of our identity
with Jesus should be.
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Why is it vital for us
to frequently read the
Gospels and meditate on
Jesus’ words and actions?
How has He inspired you
today?
