Steven A. Bush - April 23, 2017
For the Joy Set Before Him
Hebrews 12:1-2 says: "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 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." (ESV) How could Jesus have joy heading to the cross? Because of what His suffering would accomplish--for His Father in heaven and likewise for us. Upon the cross God's justice would be fully met even while He manifested His immense love for us. Knowing what His painful and shameful death would accomplish, which included the Father momentarily turning His face away, enabled Jesus to suffer with the full anticipation of joy. He is ever our example when suffering comes our way. We find ourselves together in the arena before a great cloud of witnesses. They are the holy alumni. This is our time in the stadium. May the Lord enable us to run our race with endurance, to run like champions, to run for the highest good of our Lord and for one another...