Upon reflective meditation on the Word, I keep trying to understand this kind of joy spoken about in:
Hebrews 12:2 (KJV) [2] 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.
I believe we can all agree that Jesus knew all He was going to suffer and go through to redeem mankind. And despite it all, He saw beyond the pain of the cross and kept His gaze on the glory to come.
I mean, where could the joy be knowing He’d be hung on a cross for crimes He didn’t commit, and for a people who didn’t even recognize what He was doing for them? Is there a joy in the humiliation and shame He stood to face in front of the same people who once adored Him, sang His praises, and declared Him King just a few days earlier?
If we’re being truthful, none of these could be counted for joy. But then, come with me to see what the Apostle Paul said in:
Philippians 2:9-11 (NIV) [9] Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, [10] that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, [11] and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
If you ask me, here is where Paul vividly showcases the joy He set His gaze on — shunning the pain and looking toward the glory of His sacrifice. The price He paid in redeeming mankind is such as none can be compared to.
Now, aside from the many other scriptural references from the Apostles who testified to the glory He attained upon resurrection, there’s another beautiful truth I should let you know: Do you know Christ Jesus is seated as a man at the majestic right hand of God in the heavenly realms? Yes — the reason for man’s redemption is that a man is representing us all in the presence of God. That’s why it says:
1 Timothy 2:5 (NIV) For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus.
Or you may understand it even clearly from Hebrews, which explains Christ as our eternal High Priest in the new covenant:
Hebrews 8:1-2 (NIV) [1] Now the main point of what we are saying is this: We do have such a high priest, who sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, [2] and who serves in the sanctuary, the true tabernacle set up by the Lord, not by a mere human being.
Other references confirm this too:
- Acts 7:55 (NIV) by Stephen
- 1 Peter 3:22 (NIV) by Peter
- And Paul referenced it in several other instances (Romans 8:34 NIV, Ephesians 1:20 NIV, Colossians 3:1 NIV)
We are all called to emulate this kind of attitude in our daily lives — looking unto our Savior and Lord Jesus as the standard template for living out our remaining days here on earth.
That’s why we need to take Paul’s admonition from our initial chapter:
Hebrews 12:3-4 (NIV) [3] Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
When you truly consider how much Christ has done for you already, you’ll find it much easier to bear the battles you face in your day-to-day struggles — because they’re nothing compared to the victory you have in Christ Jesus.
Or better still, you can view it from this perspective: By His grace and mercy, we’re fighting a battle that has already been won. Our victory in redemption by Christ Jesus is clearly seen in:
Colossians 2:14-15 (KJV) [14] Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; [15] And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.
And that’s why we are referred to as more than conquerors in:
Romans 8:37 (KJV) [37] Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
This happens to be one of my favorite verses as well, so I’ll end this discuss with one of the most assuring statements you’ll ever hear:
Romans 8:39 (KJV) [39] Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Ohh — please, Look Unto Jesus. 🙇☺️
