Hebrews 12:1-3
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross,scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
It has been a few months since I have posted last. Lots of this and that happening which seemed to take me away from the keyboard. I pray that the Lent season filled you with hope and even more love for our savior.
I often go back to one of my favorite verses as I reflect on my life and the fingerprints I leave and how they line up with god’s plans for me. As I looked at these powerful verses….the word “joy” jumped out at me. I must have read this verse hundreds of time..but this time the Holy Spirit prompted me to define why the word joy was used.
Take a minute and noodle this. Jesus was about to endure intense torment and pain. All the world’s sins and hate was being piled on his shoulders and yet he saw beyond this yuck and thought about the joy. What exactly would be the joy? The joy was the reality that we would be cleaned by Jesus’ blood and we would have fellowship with God and Jesus. This is an amazing selfless love that he willingly shows to any of us who believe.
I am humbled. How many times, as I run this race of life, do I get frustrated by the snares that slow me down. Little trivial matters that seem to grow in magnitude depending on my grumpy meter. Do I look beyond the irritating circumstances and be grateful for the happiness awaiting me? Do I even think about others and how I am affecting them? NO! I am too busy usually worrying about me.
It is my prayer that each of us take time and read these verses and remember life is like a race and we need to keep our eyes on Jesus and as he moves forward expecting the joy we should as well.
#Hebrews-12:1-3 #joy #race