Though the tree doesn’t have leaves and fruits …

Once when my father-in-law was able to walk little bit

he watered a tree in the backyard of his house.

At that time, I carried the water hose behind him, followed him,

and helped him to water the tree.

But the tree had no fruit and no leaves on the branches.

But my father-in-law still watered the tree.

I think about the Lord’s love.

The Lord is keep on watering such sinner like me

Even though I am like the tree without fruits and leaves.

I think about why.

Today in the morning, I meditated on Hebrews 12:2-3:

“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter 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.

Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men,

so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”

The Son of God Jesus Christ, who obeyed the Father God’s will till death (Phil. 2:8)

Endured the cross (Heb. 12:2).

Although He came to His own, they didn’t receive Him (Jn. 1:11).

Instead His people, who were disobedient and rebellious, shouted “Crucify!  Crucify!” (19:6).

But on the cross, Jesus prayed for them, “Father, forgive them,

for they do not know what they are doing” (Lk. 23:24).

How could Jesus forgive them?

How could Jesus endure the cross for us?

“…  who for the joy set before him endured the cross  …” (Heb. 12:2).

Jesus was able to endure the cross because He had the joy set before Him.

What was that joy?

Wasn’t it the joy to save us whom the Father God loves

and chose before the creation? (Eph. 1:4)

Wasn’t it the joy of forgiving all our sins and of accepting us? (Eph. 1:7; Col. 3:13)

Wasn’t it the joy of making us, who were once the enemy of God,

the children of God? (Rom. 5:10; 8:21)

Wasn’t it the joy of making us to live with the Lord forever in Heaven?

I remember the word of Habakkuk 3:17-18:

“Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines,

though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food,

though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls,

yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior.”