Men’s Worst, God’s Best

Many of those who haven’t asked Christ into their lives yet will still admit: historical evidence proves Jesus once lived on earth. They’ll agree he was a good man who taught wise principles to live by.

But even they might wonder: Why would God allow his Son to suffer such a cruel death at the hands of hateful men?

Welsh pastor and author Selwyn Hughes provided this insightful answer: what seemed to be the worst thing that could happen to Jesus—crucifixion—turned out to be the best thing for him [1].

That sounds ludicrous at first reading until we consider what Christ has enjoyed since returning to heaven, and what he’s looking forward to in the future–all because he fulfilled his mission at the cross.

As he suffered for us, Jesus kept in mind the joys set before him (Hebrews 12:2):

• Sitting in the ultimate place of honor in the universe, at the right hand of the Majesty on high (Hebrews 1:3b).

• Angels acclaiming him, saying, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth, wisdom and strength, honor, glory and praise” (Revelation 5:12).

• God appointing him to be head over everything for the good of the church (Ephesians 1:22 GNT).

• Being given authority and sovereign power that will last into eternity (Daniel 7:14).

• All kings bowing before him one day, and all nations serving him (Psalm 72:11 NLT).

• All nations and people of every language worshiping him (Daniel 7:14).

• Being given the name above every name (Philippians 2:9).

And why is that last fact significant?  Jesus is the One and only Son of God, the only Redeemer and Savior, the only Christ and Anointed One of God. “His rank, his titles, his dignity, are above all others” [2].

Perhaps no one has explained the significance of Jesus’ name(s) more eloquently than theologian Charles Spurgeon:

Jesus’ name is “the sum total of all delights. It is the music with which the bells of heaven ring; a song in a word; an ocean for comprehension; although a drop for brevity, a matchless oratorio in two syllables; a gathering up of the hallelujahs of eternity in five letters” [3].

Charles Spurgeon

But Jesus doesn’t want to enjoy these accolades and privileges alone. Max Lucado wrote:

Jesus desires for us to be one with him, continually availing ourselves of all he has to offer.

Even more astonishing? Because of what Christ accomplished on the cross, we who’ve accepted Jesus into our lives get to share in his power and wealth, wisdom and strength, honor and glory!

For example:

• The immeasurable and surpassing greatness of God’s spiritual POWER is in us who believe (Ephesians 1:19 AMP).

• He supplies spiritual RICHES and blessings that cannot be fully understood or measured (Ephesians 3:8-9).

• Christ’s word with all its WISDOM lives within us so we can experience his joy (Colossians 3:16; John 15:10-11).

• We’re equipped for anything and equal to anything, through Christ who infuses us with inner STRENGTH (Philippians 4:13 AMP).

• As beloved children adopted into God’s family through Christ, we are precious in his sight (Isaiah 43:4). He’s crowned us with HONOR and GLORY (Psalm 8:5; Romans 2:10), including the honor of representing Jesus in this world, and the glory of his character at work within us [4].

On this eve of Good Friday, we’d do well to remember:

We can pick up our own cross, inspired by Jesus’ example, empowered by God’s Spirit within us, and encouraged by the glorious outcome yet to be [5].

The worst circumstances we might face will become God’s best in our lives too.

[1] Every Day Light, 285.

[2] Barnes’ Notes on the Bible at www.biblehub.org

[3] Morning by Morning, 41.

[4] See also 2 Corinthians 5:17, 20

[5] To “pick up our cross” means trusting in God even when suffering comes our way, putting aside our self-will and embracing God’s will instead.

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