For The Joy

…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 

Why did Jesus endure the cross? According to our text it was, ‘for the joy that was set before Him.’ What was that joy? Speaking of the church, the redeemed people of God, Paul says Christ gave Himself for her, ‘that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.’ We conclude that the joy set before Christ was the whole redemption of all His people. It was for this purpose He came into the world, endured the humiliation of life, arrest, trial, beating, crucifixion, death, burial, and continued under the power of death for a time. His exaltation began with His resurrection, ascension and His sitting ‘down at the right hand of the throne of God.’ This exaltation shall continue while Christ reigns until God has put all His enemies under His feet and all the ransomed church of God are saved to sin no more. The culmination will be the gathering together of all the redeemed, who are the Body of Christ, the Church, around the Throne of Grace. The whole Body of Christ will be together with Him on that day, never more to part. We are glad beyond measure that Christ could look ahead to the joy and endure the cross.  

Our Great God and our Savior, 
we rejoice at all You have endured for us. 
We praise You that with Your stripes we are healed. 

Tomm Tice
Where the Bush is Burning