Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer 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. Hebrews 12:2 BSB
What was the joy set before Christ when he endured the cross? What could possibly bring him a joy so strong, so desirable, that he would willingly subject himself to the torture of crucifixion? I am overwhelmed when I consider the thought that Jesus loves you and I so deeply that paying for our sins with his own blood could mean so much to him. He endured the cross, taking pleasure, not in the pain, but in providing for us an opportunity for the forgiveness of sin and reconciliation with the Father. He endured so that you and I could spend all eternity in his presence, with the Father! That was the joy set before him!
Consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:3 BSB
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us. Hebrews 12:1 BSB
Are you running your race with the same endurance Jesus displayed on the cross? Does the thought of being forgiven by God bring you enough joy to keep you from growing weary and losing heart? Is the hope of spending all eternity with Jesus and walking with the Father, as Adam did, before the fall, the joy set before you today? If so, with your eyes fixed on Jesus, you can endure whatever comes your way!
Let’s personalize it.
For the joy set before me, I can endure cancer. For the joy set before me, I can endure heartache. For the joy set before me, I can endure financial pressure. For the joy set before me, I can endure loneliness. For the joy set before me, I can endure tragedy. For the joy set before me, I can endure _______. Fill in the blank with whatever you’ve been called to endure today.
For this is the hope of the gospel!
For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 2 Corinthians 4:17 NIV
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. Romans 8:18 NIV
And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 1 Peter 5:10 NIV
But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.1 Peter 4:13 NIV