For His Joy

In light of Maunday Thursday and Easter weekend I spent some time meditating on this verse:

“…looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-2

It was joy that enabled Jesus to endure the events that we will remember this weekend. Jesus died the death that we deserved to die so that we might live the life only he deserved to live. For that He went through excruciating pain and agony. The goal and motivation that sustained Him was joy; the joy of returning to the Father and the glory of what His death and resurrection accomplished – my redemption, your redemption, and the redemption of all things!

We too have the great joy set before us of one day having our faith and holiness perfected in whole, the kingdom fully come, and the infinite joy of spending eternity in Jesus presence!