What is the first thing that comes to your mind

1. Excitement- NASCAR Fans, College Football fans, WWE fans (even though fake, can be fun to watch), 50% of sales at the local mall

2. Romance- Some would say that Passion is romance or a hot TV scene, or a crush that you had on Tiffany Amber Thiessen when you were younger.

Those are accurate in describing a form of passion, however, the true meaning comes from the Greek word Pathos.  This word means to endure with great suffering or pain.  That’s why the cross is often referred to as The Passion of the Christ.

With this in mind I think about several differnt Bible stories where people had great passion.

First it was Shadrach, Meshach, and Abendago.  When brought before the king they were told to do something contrary to their beliefs.  They knew what the result would be if they did not do what they were told.  Yet, they had great passion for God.  They were willing to endure great suffering and pain for God.  They had no clue that God would deliver them from the fire.  All they knew was that God had been faithful to them (read Daniel chapter 1), and they were going to be faithful to God even if that meant enduring great suffering and pain.

They did not Bow to the things of the world.  They knew what the Scriptures said.  When we get to the point where we truly have passion for Jesus we will not bow down to the things of this world.

The did not Bend in their beliefs.  It would have been really easy for these three to compromise what they believed in.  Sure everyone else was doing it, but not these three.  How many times in our lives do we compromise what we believe just to go along with everyone else.  It is time for us to have great passion for Jesus and stand for what we believe even if that means we suffer and have pain.

These 3 boys knew they were headed for great pain and suffering. Yet, they still had great passion for their God.  Where is your passion today.  Will you decide to have great passion for your Savior.  If so get ready, and remember though you may suffer and have great pain, God said he would never leave you nor forsake you.  Then one day we will hear those words “well done my good and faithful servant.”