Jesus Christ is my motivation for everything in life.  He put aside his own comfort, humbled himself in coming to earth, died the death that I deserved, and was raised again to give me new life.  This morning, I was reading one of my favorite Bible verses and thought that I would share it with you…
 
Hebrews 12:2
Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
 
Faith is not a prideful thing.  As my pastor regularly reminds me, “Faith is the empty hand that lays hold of Jesus.”  To have saving faith, I come with empty hands, I come with no merit or pride in myself.  I humble myself seeing my sin and seeing salvation in Jesus.  I’m so very grateful that God has been the author and finisher of my faith.  As it says in Ephesians chapter 2, even the faith to believe is a gift from God.  I’m so thankful for his gift.
 
At the end of the Hebrews 12:2 verse, it says that Jesus sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  Sitting down implies that the job was finished.  The work Jesus did in dying for me sins was completed on the cross.  In the old testament, the temple had no chairs, the work of the priest was never finished, there were always sacrifices that needed to be made.  Jesus was the complete fulfillment of those sacrifices as He died once for all those who would ever believe on Him.
 
Today, I’m so thankful for the work of Jesus.
I’m so thankful that He is the author and finisher of my faith.
I’m so thankful that payment for my sins has been made and Jesus is now enthroned in Heaven seated at the right hand of the Father.