Hebrews 12:2
“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.”
Question…..How many of you stopped reading at “finisher of our faith”? I know I have for the most part, all my life. Yet last week when my son and I were doing devotions, something struck me.
Jesus’ obedience always stops and makes me ponder. God the Father sent His Only Son, to die as a criminal would, on the cross. Crucifixion. A criminals death. YET Jesus went to the cross, obediently KNOWING what the end result would be.
His death on the cross, provided us life eternal ~ a bridge to cross, blood to wash away our sins. All brought to us as a free and priceless gift ~ salvation.
Why was He able to be obedient, even unto death?
“….For the joy that was set before Him….”
What was the joy set before Him?
Obedience to the Father, providing life eternal to us! We ARE the JOY!
Jesus endured the cross, despised the shame and took on death ~ won the victory and rose again!
The joy of our salvation and eternal life is why Jesus endured the cross!
Reading this verse last week, gave me a different view of Jesus’ crucifixion.
It is only by His selfless act that I am saved, I AM the JOY that was set before Him!
16 comments
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Michelle
July 1, 2012 at 9:53 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
My word this year to reflect on has been contentment. Through this I have been blessed with finding the true meaning of joy. Thank you for linking up today with the randomness.
simplyhelpinghim
July 1, 2012 at 2:52 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Contentment does teach joy! Amazingly! Thank you for stoppin by! 🙂 Blessings!
Kathryn
June 30, 2012 at 2:12 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Wow! Found you on the hop. Following you via twitter, fb and pinterest. Would love follows back http://www.cumminslife.blogspot.com
simplyhelpinghim
June 30, 2012 at 2:45 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Thanks for stoppin by! 🙂 I followed you back! Thanks for stoppin by! 🙂 Blessings!
homemaker-mom.com
June 29, 2012 at 4:48 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
This is awesome and so on time!
simplyhelpinghim
June 29, 2012 at 5:53 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
🙂 Blessings friend!
Becca
June 29, 2012 at 2:32 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Love it 🙂
simplyhelpinghim
June 29, 2012 at 2:40 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Me too! Thank you for stoppin by! 🙂 Blessings!
Jenni
June 29, 2012 at 11:33 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Thank you for sharing this insight. So thankful we were created for His joy.
simplyhelpinghim
June 29, 2012 at 1:47 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I couldn’t keep it to myself! I found so much joy in this, that I knew others would too! Thank you for stoppin by! 🙂 Blessings!
Jaimie
June 29, 2012 at 8:38 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
WHOA. That is SO cool! I guess I kind of knew that…I have read the whole passage before, memorized it even, but it never occurred to me that WE are the joy. That’s huge, and it just changed my whole perspective today! Thank you!
simplyhelpinghim
June 29, 2012 at 1:47 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Isn’t it? Whenever I feel down and out about myself, I remind myself that I AM THE JOY! I’m so glad you stopped by! Blessings!
Dana
June 29, 2012 at 8:12 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Amen! Thank you for sharing this.
simplyhelpinghim
June 29, 2012 at 1:46 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
You’re very welcome! I remind myself of this often now! Blessings!
Elizabeth Austin
June 29, 2012 at 6:35 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
WOW! What a great way to reflect on the crucifixion and add glory to such a dark event. So glad to be part of HIS JOY!
simplyhelpinghim
June 29, 2012 at 6:45 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I was beyond thrilled when I saw this! It does bring light to a dark event! 🙂 Blessings!