For The Joy

Since the topic of Stauros is still fresh, there is another important aspect to get out of it that I didn't touch before. Hebrews 12:1-3 says, "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw down everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. Who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."


I want to focus on three words found in verse 2. The words, "for the joy" are used. That verse talks nothing about happiness, but all about joyfulness. There is a difference between joy and happiness as I have said before. Happiness is based off circumstances. Joyfulness is based off your identity in Christ. Once again, Jesus didn't have to go to the cross. He willfully went on our behalf so that we could be joined with Him in eternity. In fact, He went joyfully. Think about that. He knew exactly what was before Him. He knew it was going to be incredibly painful. This was going to be the worst experience on earth and His attitude was joyful. Not because of the pain, but because of God's faithfulness. He knew that no matter how brutal it was going to be, in the end He was going to be raised from the grave and defeat evil. He knew that because of the cross, we would get to experience salvation. He knew the outcome and therefore was joyful. That is an attitude many of us need to adopt. 


The great thing about the Bible is we are told the end story. We already know who wins the war. That means no matter what we go through, we can do it with a joyful attitude knowing that God is in control. His past faithfulness is proof for your current situation that Christ is going to bring you victory. His current situation was way worse than any of ours. He was facing death and the most humbling form of it. They beat Him beyond recognition...then nailed Him to a cross...where He slowly suffocated. He had no reason to be happy, but through it all He was joyful because of the end result. Some of us need to refocus our thinking and look more at the end result knowing that Christ has a perfect plan. That is how Paul endured so much persecution and prison with such a positive attitude because He knows who has the final say. That is why we can rejoice in everything (Philippians 4:4).