For The Joy Set Before Us
[By Robert Haynes]
“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” (Heb 12:2, Legacy Standard Bible).
As we go about our lives, it sometimes feels like the promise of what’s ahead can fade into the background of everything around us. When we forget what lies ahead, we’re most vulnerable to turning away. How did Jesus stay focused on His purpose? He recalled that there would be joy in heaven. That He would return to God as He was and that salvation would be offered to all.
Occasionally, we sing hymns about the streets of gold or mansions prepared. While some of those concepts stem from translation and our perceptions of material wealth, they are intended to emphasize the splendor of heaven and the magnitude of the reward of being in heaven. We can map the idea of that splendor onto the reward of heaven. Sometimes, we mix the principle of “expecting nothing in return” from Luke 6:35 and completely forget that next part of the verse that speaks of the greatness of the reward to come. In teaching core principles to His disciples in the Sermon on the Plains, He points to how wonderful it is to be called Sons of God, and that He is also kind despite our lack of gratitude. Part of retaining that joy and being the most like Christ is reminding ourselves of the greatness of this gift.
We did not deserve the joy of heaven, but God has offered us this reward through His grace. So, let’s not forget that and remind ourselves to be grateful. That also means focusing ahead and having the discipline to choose to live for the joy of being with our God. It’s something we can’t do aimlessly. One of the best ways to hone that sense of joy is to proclaim it. Jesus constantly shared the news of the Kingdom of Heaven. We can do likewise. Living and testifying to the greatness of God will help us recollect that joy. It requires dedicated training, which may not feel pleasant. It may also come with persecution. Would we continue if there was no reward or joy to look forward to beyond that? Probably not.
“So I do all things for the sake of the gospel (good news!), so that I may become a fellow partaker of it. Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. Now everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a corruptible crown, but we an incorruptible. Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified” (1 Corinthians 9:23-27, Legacy Standard Bible).