From the Principle's Desk:

HE IS NOT HERE, FOR HE IS RISEN



It is the time of commemorating Jesus’ crucifixion approaches, we think

about the death and resurrection of Jesus. The purpose of his life was to

offer himself as a sacrifice for the sins of mankind. The Bible says that

Jesus became sin for us so that we could be forgiven and found righteous

in God’s sight (2 Corinthians 5:21). Jesus was so certain of his purpose that

he predicted when and how he would die (Matthew 26:2).

As believers and followers of Jesus, we ask ourselves, what is our

purpose? Some would answer that it is to love God while others might say

that it is to serve him. The Westminster Shorter Catechism states that

man’s chief purpose is to glorify God and enjoy him forever. While

considering these ideas, Hebrews 12:2 came to mind: “Let us fix our eyes

on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith, who for the joy set before

him, endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand

of the throne of God.” (NIV) Jesus looked beyond the suffering, shame and

death he knew was to come and focused on the joy that would be.

What is this joy that so motivated him? The Bible says that there is great

joy in heaven whenever a sinner repents (Luke 15:10). Likewise, the Lord

rewards good works and there is joy in hearing him say, “Well done good

and faithful servant.” Therefore, Jesus anticipated the joy that would

happen when each person would repent and be saved. He also looked

forward to the joy that would result from each good work done by

believers in obedience and motivated by love. The Bible says that we love

God because he first loved us (1 John 4:19). Ephesians 2:1‐10 tells us that

by nature we are rebellious towards God and are born spiritually dead. It

is by his love and grace that he brings us to faith and reconciliation. God

has even planned our good works (Ephesians 2:10)!

What then is our purpose? We can give him joy! What a wonderful God we have who honors sinners like us by

giving us the ability to give him pleasure! He rejoices and experiences joy as we respond to him in repentance,

love and good works that bring him glory! Give Jesus the gift of joy for he is looking forward to it!