“since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Hebrews 12:1-2 (NAU)
Consider that the 1st century, Palestine government killed him. Consider that he laid aside every hindrance to the will of God. Consider that he refused every fleshly enticement that would have trapped him. Consider that he firmly fixed his eyes toward Calvary and ran the race, which the Father had set before him. Consider that he had every right to call his army to deliver him, but he didn’t.
O, what an example to follow! Jesus, our Savior and Lord, our faith creator . . . our faith finisher. The author of Hebrews asserts that he joyfully endured the Cross. He joyfully despised the shame of it. He personified the joy of obedience. It is a joy that escorts one through the very gates of eternity.
Max Lucado writes, “What type of joy is this? What is this cheerfulness that dares to wink at diversity? I call it sacred delight. What is sacred is God’s. And this joy is God’s.”
Dear Father, thank you for your mercy and grace. Thank you for the example you have left for us to follow. Grant to us the joy, which you expressed as you endured the Cross. Enable us to overcome the world, its burdens, and its entanglements. Empower us to run this race you have set before us with the joy of the Lord. I humbly pray this in Jesus’ name. AMEN
Let us praise God for the joy of the Lord and live joyfully in his will,
Pastor Smith