12 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, 2 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 ESV).
The author of the book of Hebrews says that we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses who are encouraging us not to give up and not to give in, but to keep on pressing on. And to throw aside everything that weighs us down, and discarding every sin that tries to cling to us, and run with endurance the race that is set before us. And whenever we get discouraged and heavy-laden, we must fix our eyes on Jesus, the Founder and Perfecter of our faith. He is our example. We don’t look to the world, or even to modern-day Christians, but we look to the One who was in all ways tempted and yet without sin. The One who, for the joy that was set before Him, endured the cross, scorning or despising its shame, and has overcome. It is He who encourages us to keep on keeping on, telling us that we can make it, because He overcame the world, we too will overcome the world.
Now, about the saying, for the joy that was set before Him, He endured the cross. It’s a little jarring to think that the cross that was the most humiliating, the most excruciating punishment imaginable, designed by the Romans to not only humiliate, but to intimidate, and severely punish lawbreakers, was the joy set before Jesus. Because, after all, what joy was there in that? The joy is bringing new sons and daughters to the Father. His blood purchased you for the Father, and now you are adopted into the family of God. Therefore, the joy that was set before Him was you and me, and all who have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus. We are His joy and His pride.
So when the Scriptures said, “For the joy of the LORD is our strength,” it is talking about that joy, the joy that was set before Jesus, it’s our saving grace. For the joy of the LORD, our LORD is our strength, because He strengthens us for good works.
Heavenly Father, I praise You for the good work that You have started, and I know that You are able to finish it. Thank You for the cross, LORD Jesus. Now, have Your way in my life, and help me live like the joy of the LORD is really my strength. In Jesus’ Name I pray, amen.