[307 words]
The Hebrews writer advised his readers to always be “looking unto Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and hath sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2).
Notice that phrase, “for the joy that was set before him.” It suggests the sustaining power of joy. Jesus endured the hostility of sinners and the humiliation of the death on the cross for the sake of the joy that was set before Him. One who is motivated by joy finds the strength to do mighty things.
But what is meant by “the joy that was set before him?” The writer seems to be referring to the Lord’s being the author and the finisher of the faith by which we may come to God, and to His sitting down at the right hand of God, having completed His work. Jesus had come to do His Father’s will (John 6:38), and to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10). The accomplishing of these purposes was to Him “by unspeakable and full of glory.”
What if we today would act “for the joy set before us” in a similar way? What if doing of our Father’s will and helping people to come to Him was real joy to us? What if worshiping our wonderful God and serving our fellow man were things we did for the joy of it? I suspect that we would find the strength to accomplish more than we ever thought possible. We would be able to endure until the victory is won. Perhaps the church today needs to do fewer things for the pleasure of it and more things for the joy of it. We need hearts which find joy where Jesus did.
Bill McFarland
via Highland Drive Church of Christ
happPoplar Bluff, MO