In the book of Hebrews we are given a glimpse of joy through the eyes of Jesus.
"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."
Hebrews 12:2
It is a verse of encouragement. The previous verse says:
"...let us run with endurance the race that is set before us."
I am not a theologian, so I can only humbly offer what this says to me. It is a picture of joy whose underpinning is great hope - confident hope. It is one I can embrace when I am going through difficult circumstances and joy seems an impossible dream.
Jesus, who knew from the very moment of creation what He would have to endure, counted it all joy - the terrible physical torture, the shame, the rejection, the weight of the sin of mankind, and separation from His Father - a thing so terrible we cannot even begin to imagine the suffering. How was that possible? What was this joy ? …
Let's explore joy a little bit over at Laced With Grace. So happy if you'd join me there.
Blessings,
Linda
