For the Joy…

Caught in joy – that moment after working for months on a project, it’s finished, and you get the big check or promotion. That moment after training for months on end and you complete the race in record time. That moment after going through labor and delivery and that downy head snuggles you. We persevere, work hard, and endure because we anticipate the outcome and count it worth the effort.

Ever ponder the day in and day out of Jesus’ life once He began to fulfill His purpose on earth? Scorn, ridicule, shunning. Sometimes from those closest to Him. And top it off with imprisonment, beating, crucifixion.

Why would He willingly accept all this? Not just His duty. Surely not to prove a point. “…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.” (Hebrews 12:2b NIV)

Since before your first breath you were known by the Creator of life. For your sake He endured the ultimate of sacrifices. You are His joy – He endured all evil man could do to Him – even temporary separation from God during His time on the cross – because He said ‘you are worth it’. (not to mention all the sin yet to be committed – by me, by you)

“When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.” (John 14:3 NLT)

Such love our hearts cannot fathom. Willing to suffer? To die? Wants us to be with Him? Always? Even if we were to lay down our life for another, it would still be a temporary act of love.

The act of love Jesus fulfilled is permanent . A forever, no more sorrows, no more pain, no more fear, no more worry fulfillment. Only Jesus can give a soul that assurance.

This life will have its ups and downs aplenty. Just remember: “There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while.” (1Peter1:6b NLT) Even though trials – for the joy we know is ours, we can trust all is well.