The Joy Set Before Us

As we near the end of our 2024 event season, with camp teaching focused on “Run the Race”, let’s ponder one last aspect of Hebrews 12: joy.

“…let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1b-2

What was the “joy” set before Jesus?

At least in part, it was the redemption He was securing and a future consummated Kingdom with His redeemed people. How is it possible that after we rebelled against our Creator that He finds joy in restoring us to Him and creating a new dwelling place for us with Him?

Now we too look forward to this dwelling place where we can worship and serve God without sin. Jesus tasted death, He endured the wrath we deserved, so He might “bring many sons to glory” (Heb. 2:9-10). He knew His suffering was temporary, and kept His eyes on the joy ahead.

Likewise, we know our suffering is temporary and preparing us for glory beyond all comparison (2. Cor. 4:17). When we get dissatisfied with life, when we become weary of fighting our remaining sin, when we tire of how believers treat one another–we are to look at the JOY set before us. Not a “just be happy” attitude. A secure, future joy that no one will be able to steal (Jn. 16:22). Where we share in Jesus’ joy, because our salvation leads us to worship the One who redeemed us. 

That joy is before us! Let’s look forward to the day when our redemption will be complete, we will no longer battle our sin and face a fallen world, but we will dwell in the house of God forever (Ps. 23:6, Rev. 21:1-4).

PRAY FOR…

• Eyes fixed on Jesus no matter what we face.
• That in suffering and difficulty, we would remember it is temporary and that eternal joy is ahead.