How vehement is your desire to do God's will?
For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter. (2 Corinthians 7:11)
The more I reflect over each verse, I realise that I'm not even scratching the surface of what feels like an eternity of truth. It's really exciting to be able to sit with the Word of God and dig deeper. Every time I receive a fresh insight, I realise this cannot be possible without Him delighting in me as I wait in His presence.
When I search for examples to write about, I usually look to heroes of faith other than Jesus. Today, for this particular point I want to focus my attention on Jesus alone. Quick points (verses) to reveal His vehement desire in fulfilling the Father's will.
Jesus loves us crazy!
Jesus left all the riches of heaven to do the Fathers will. He very well knew what He was getting Himself into; Just that very thought amazes me because the world is so full of evil. Yet, He chose to suffer it all, die on the cross and bring victory to all those who surrender their lives to Him.
Jesus shed blood fighting against sin
You have not yet struggled to the point of shedding blood in your striving against sin; (Hebrews 12:4)
Jesus did say we will have trouble in this world. He prepares us for it too; yet, we haven't ever had to strive against sin at the point of shedding blood.
Jesus was tempted at all points
For we do not have a High Priest who is unable to sympathize and understand our weaknesses and temptations, but One who has been tempted [knowing exactly how it feels to be human] in every respect as we are, yet without [committing any] sin. (Hebrews 4:15)
If there is anyone who truly understands what we are going through in life, He is Jesus alone. A living God who is very present help in trouble. When we draw near to Him, He will draw near to us.
Jesus paid the greatest price on the cross of Calvary
Towards the final days of His ministry, we see Jesus almost asking God to take away the burden He was bearing; it was that heavy. No man would ever have to carry such a burden ever. Yet He desired the Father's will. Jesus’ vehement desire to fulfil God’s will and love for all, gives all those who come to Him access to the Heavenly Father.
Once more Jesus went away and prayed, “My Father, if this cup of suffering cannot be taken away unless I drink it, your will be done.” (Matthew 26:42)
Jesus prayed blood and tears
The final prayer as He surrendered to do God’s will, was so agonising that His sweat were like great drops of blood.
And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground. (Luke 22:44)
I’ve highlighted only 5 aspects from Jesus’ life to reveal His vehement desire for us. Christians are called to walk in the footsteps of Jesus, none else. Are you saved? Do you find yourself walking in this experience? If not, examine your self, let Jesus manifest in and through your life.