Joy Set Before Him

“fixing our eyes on Jesus, the leader and finisher of faith. For the joy set before Him, He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2

One might wonder at this joy. How powerful it must have been to endure a cross for it. The Romans had devised the cruelest punishments for anyone who wouldn’t bow their knee to its rule, but Jesus approached this punishment sinless and with joy. What did He see before Him that would motivate the walk towards Calvary.

The life of Jesus was constantly overshadowed by the cross. The Old Testament prophets spoke of His suffering long before He sweat drops of blood. It’s hard to imagine, with Christmas so recent in our minds, that the small babe born in Bethlehem was born to die, and that His birth and death were all part of God’s redemptive plan.

Redemption was the purpose of the cross, and the restoration of each individual who would call upon the name of the Lord was His joy. Walking toward Calvary He looked forward through the ages at the Body of Christ and took each step with joy.

Let us lay aside all thought that we aren’t important to the Body of Christ. Your life in Him brought Him great joy.

Thank you Lord for suffering. Thank you Lord for believing I am worth it.