Was It Worth It?
“When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With
that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.” John 19:30 (NIV)
As I watched the XX Winter Olympics, I couldn’t help but wonder about
some of the athletes and the pain and suffering they have endured over
the years. Most longed just to have one slight chance to stand upon a
podium surrounded by others like them, adorned with a precious medal and
having the world proclaim that they are “Number One!”
I think of the many snowboarders, skiers, ice skaters and lugers and
the interviews conducted with each of them. A typical competitor might
reveal that they’ve had several broken bones, nine surgeries, two
concussions and a whole lot of “minor” injuries over the years of hard work,
training and competing. For many, these injuries have been enormous and
the physical pain and rehabilitation necessary to come back and perform
again, almost inconceivable.
Why would these athletes risk their lives, in some respect, just for a
split second where they can step into the spotlight of glory? Is it
really worth it? As I thought about this question, I remembered recently
watching a snowboard cross race where American Seth Wescott gritted out
a dramatic finish and won by the nose of his board. When the mile-long
smile crossed his beaming face and he lifted an American flag high
above his head, in that very special moment, he knew he was the best. All
of the endless hours of preparation, the brokenness of his body, and the
hurt from critical words of those who criticized him, led up to that
moment in the sun. And, YES, it was worth it.
Now, think back more than two thousand years ago to a lonely cross on a
hill called Golgotha. It wasn’t an athlete that day, but a sinless and
perfect man whose body was being beaten beyond recognition. His beard
was savagely pulled out of His face and the pain from the nine-inch
nails being slammed into His wrists must have been unbearable. Many
surrounded Him and called Him terrible, degrading and unspeakable names. He
was “adorned” with a disfiguring crown of thorns as they continued to
hurl insult after insult at Him. He courageously endured the pain and the
suffering intended for Him before the beginning of time.
As He fought to breathe His last breath and felt the fading sunshine
against His brow, He called out to His Father in heaven and said “It is
Finished.” Then, His loving Father, as He looked into the eyes of the
many souls that would be saved, and with tears streaming down His Holy
face agreed, “yes, my beloved Son, it is finished.”
And, at that moment in time, we now know that Jesus did what He had to
do because WE were worth it! And, that very special “We” includes You!