![Where the Bush is Burning: A Daily Devotional by [Thomas Tice]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41u9kx4miUL.jpg)
The Great Pattern
The Great Pattern
…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 has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:2
As we continue to dwell upon this text, we consider what the writer is urging us, as readers, to do. In due course of time, we intend to examine the practical implications of this urging. For the minute, in preparation for that, let us, please, consider this. We look to Christ, first as our Redeemer. Apart from His Imputed Righteousness, we have no acceptance with God. Beyond that, when it comes to matters of practical holiness, Christ is the quintessential ‘Christian.’ He is the Great Pattern of Holiness. Our text declares, ‘…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 has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.’ Notice, please, the example which Christ sets. ‘Who for the joy that was set before Him,’ tells us that He took the eternal view. Christ had the larger purpose of God’s Providential End in view. His Joy would be the redemption of all whom the Father had given Him. To that end, He ‘endured the cross, despising the shame.’ Christ willingly submitted Himself to every conceivable indignity, endured all the horrific abuse, gave Himself over to the cruelest of executions, all to the end purpose of completing the overarching Purpose of the Sovereign God. Although we, in no way, can hope to understand the complexities of all that God is doing in us, with us and through us, yet we may look to Christ, Our Great Pattern, to observe how He did. It is the contemplation of Christ, that leads to the imitation of Christ.
Our Great and Gracious Savior,
we rejoice that You have done all things well.
You are the Divine Template,
after which we may pattern ourselves.
By the power of Your Holy Spirit,
renew us in the whole person after the Image of Your Own Great Self.
Tomm Tice
Where the Bush is Burning
2 Replies to “The Great Pattern”
These devotionals are daily meat. Thank you. I share them quite often. May God continue to cause you to use this gift of words to His Glory and for the good of the body of Christ.
Thank you, Ma’am.
It is very encouraging to hear that the Lord is undertaking to make use of us. We appreciate you saying so.
All the best.