HELEN SANDERS
10-10-2022
THE JOY SET BEFORE US
Hebrews 12:2 tells us, “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 is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Jesus endured the whipping, the mocking the pain of the crucifixion and the separation from God the Father because He knew that this would bring reconciliation of mankind back to God. He was willing to go through all the shame to do this. It was the highest price that could be paid because it required the shedding of his blood through death.
Yet, it did not end there. Yes, there was the crucifixion. Yes, there was the burial. Yes, there were three days and night in hell, but He did not stay there. The victory came with the resurrection and the defeat of Satan. Oh, the joy it gave him to go into the throne room and place his blood on the altar once and for all to reunite God with us.
The same chapter in Hebrews brings a rebuke to those Paul wrote to. Verse 3-4 continues the discourse with, “For consider him (Jesus) that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.”
We have not gone through what Jesus went through my friends. We know there are battles, and we know there are those that receive wounds in their Christian walk, yet Paul admonishes us to not let this deter us from the race we run, knowing that the joy of seeing our Savior is worth it all when the race is over.
Are you tired? Are you weary? Then be encouraged that battle is not in vain. It will be worth it all when we see Jesus.
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