Your identity in Christ
Hebrews 12:2
For the joy set before him Jesus endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
We are a joy to Jesus, who, for the joy set before Him, endured the cross
Pondering Point
This verse makes it apparent that part of the joy that inspired Jesus to persevere is you and me. Not just us of course – it was also the joy of Jesus to do the will of the Father. But don’t you see that the will of the Father was to save us? And that drove Jesus to stay His course. You are a JOY to Jesus and to the Father. When you find that you are kicking yourself for messing up or acting the fool, remember this truth, let it bring a smile to your face, and let it give you solid biblical footing. You are LOVED and ENJOYED by God.
Prayer Prompt
Father God, I rejoice that I am a JOY to You! I rejoice that Jesus, for the joy set before Him, endured the cross so that we could become intimate allies in life. I love You Father. Thanks for loving me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
The life of Jesus on earth, which culminated on the cross, modeled suffering well. It was evident in the garden of Gethsemane that Jesus did not want to go through with His imminent death. He was in so much distress that He was sweating blood, yet He was still able to remain connected to the Father and think of the welfare of His disciples when the guards seized Him. Jesus did not change under pressure and exhibited the same thoughtfulness, forgiveness and compassion as before. His deep connection with the Father enabled Him to suffer well. God invites all of His followers to live our lives the same way as Christ. 27,28, Joyful Journey, Wilder, Kang, Loppnow, Loppnow