Consider Him this Easter

Elizabeth Kendal, an international religious liberty analyst and advocate, recently shared an Easter reflection via the Australian Evangelical Alliance Religious Liberty Commission’ Religious Liberty Prayer Bulletin.

This Easter, we hope you’ll take a moment to “consider Him” and remember all that Jesus Christ has done and is continuing to do for you. Also remember to lift up our brothers and sisters around the globe who suffer for Christ’s name.

When contemplating persecution, consider Him. (Hebrews 12:3)

“CONSIDER HIM”

By Elizabeth Kendal

Does persecution bite;

    does fear consume your night?

        Consider Him.

Does tribulation strain;

    does mocking sore inflame?

        Consider Him.

Consider Him who crown of thorns did humbly wear; [Scripture: see end note 1] Despised, rejected, spat on, was stripped bare; [2] Unrecognised, object of scorn, Unfair! [3]

     Consider Him. (Hebrews 12:3)

Can those who hate you strike;

    take jobs, possessions, life?

        Consider Him.

Can government forsake;

    injustice overtake?

        Consider Him.

Consider Him who bore the blows and took the lash; [4] Falsely accused, betrayed, abused in purple sash; [5] At Golgotha, nailed to a cross, with Satan clashed; [6]

     Consider Him. (Hebrews 12:3)

Does righteousness take fright;

    does hope fade out of sight?

        Consider Him.

Does fear grip heart and head;

    strike hands and knees like lead?

        Consider Him.

Consider Him who with His gaze on heaven's home; (Hebrews 12:2) Endured the cross, despised the shame for promised throne; (Hebrews 12:2) Consumed with love, propelled by faith alone; (Hebrews 12:2)

     Consider Him. (Hebrews 12:3)   

When evil seems supreme,

    and rest seems like a dream;

        Consider Him.

When enemies grow bold,

    when shrouds seem to enfold;

        Consider Him.

Consider him whose violent death bruised serpent's head; [7] Who third day, shroud removed, rose from the dead; [8] Arisen, King of Love victorious, as he said; [9]

     Consider him! (Hebrews 12:3)

“. . . Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.' (Hebrews 12:1c-3 ESV)

Scripture References:

1. Mark 15:16-20
2. Isaiah 53:3; Matt 27:28-30; Psalm 22:18
3. John 1:11; Luke 22:63-65; Psalm 22:6; Isaiah 53:9
4. Matt 26:67; 27:26
5. Matt 26:59-60; Luke 22:47-48; John 19:2,5
6. John 19:16-18; Matt 27:39-44; Heb 13:12
7. Gen 3:15; Col 2:13-15; Rev 5:6-14
8. John 20; Isaiah 25:7,8
9. Matt 12:40; 16:21; 17:22,23; John 2:18-22