Harvest Daily with Greg Laurie - Feb. 22, 2006, Greg Laurie Daily Devotions - Watch Greg Laurie Sermons -TV Videos Online

Harvest Daily with Greg Laurie - Feb. 22, 2006

February 22, 2006

Harvest Daily with Greg Laurie

Wednesday, February 22, 2006

The Joy before Him

The Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “Take, eat, this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” —1 Corinthians 11:23–24

It’s amazing that on the night the Lord was betrayed, just moments from this event, that He was giving thanks. He was giving thanks as He was about to face a horrendous time of suffering and anguish. He was giving thanks with the foreknowledge that His own disciples would temporarily abandon Him. He was giving thanks with the full knowledge that the man who was about to betray Him would do so in just a few moments.

Yet He gave thanks. How could He give thanks at a time like that? Because He had a goal, and the way to reach it was through His death on the cross. Hebrews 12:2 tells us, “For the joy that was set before Him [He] endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” What kept Him going — all the way to the cross? You did. “For the joy that was set before Him...” He did it for you.

Jesus told the story of a shepherd who had 100 sheep and one went astray. So he left the 99 and went searching until he found that one, wayward lamb, wrapped it around his neck, and came back rejoicing. There was joy in finding a lost sheep.

The joy that was set before Jesus was knowing that we could have our sins forgiven, have our lives right with God, and be able to approach His throne 24 hours a day. And He gave thanks.

For more relevant and biblical teaching from Pastor Greg Laurie, go to www.harvest.org.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New King James Version, copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Bible text from the New King James Version is not to be reproduced in copies or otherwise by any means except as permitted in writing by Thomas Nelson, Inc., Attn: Bible Rights and Permissions, P.O. Box 141000, Nashville, TN 37214-1000.

Featured Offer

In thanks for your gift, you can receive a copy of Marvel at the Moon by Levi Lusko

In this fantastic 90-day devotional, author and pastor Levi Lusko uses illuminating stories, biblical teaching, and eye-opening surprises about outer space to show kids that they’re never alone because God is always with them. A copy of this beautifully illustrated book will be mailed to you when you make a gift of support to Harvest Ministries this month.

About Greg Laurie

Greg Laurie is the senior pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship with campuses in California and Hawaii. Today, Harvest is one of the largest churches in America with over 15,000 attendees. Greg Laurie is also the founder of the evangelistic events called Harvest Crusades with over nine million attendees and over half a million professions of faith. In addition, Greg’s daily nationally syndicated radio program, A New Beginning which is heard on over 1000 radio stations.

Greg Laurie is the author of over 70 books including Steve McQueen: The Salvation of an American Icon and Lost Boy amongst others. He has also produced several award-winning films including A Rush of Hope which saw millions tune in for the first-ever cinematic crusade. Greg is married to Cathe Laurie and has two sons and five grandchildren.

Harvest + Greg Laurie

Greg Laurie