…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 has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2
A couple of weeks ago, I talked with Jesus about needing joy. Never mind the state of the world, sometimes there’s enough that goes on in my world that saps me of the joy Jesus desires would remain. The Holy Spirit led me to Nehemiah 8:10 b which states, “Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength. “ At first I thought, how odd, He’s talking to me about Jesus’ joy in response to my need for joy. Then I wondered how can His joy be my strength and what is His joy, anyway? After days of pondering that, like a light bulb Hebrews 12:2 light up my soul and I had a real “aha” moment.
Scripture tells us that Jesus’ joy helped Him endure the horrors of the cross including its shame. On the other side of that wretched cross awaited divine joy. “What joy?” you ask; the joy of yours and my freedom, peace, wholeness and forgiveness. He gladly endured to see us reunited with our Father. He gladly laid it all down to raise us up with Him! Let’s take our eyes off the discouraging events around us that only trip us up and slow us down. Look instead to Jesus’ joy which is strengthening and encouraging. Rejoice! In Him we are more than conquerors because He has overcome the world!
Happy Resurrection Day to all of you, and may you know the riches of His grace in a sweeter way today!
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SOUL FOOD
Romans 8:37
John 16:33
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