July 31 – The Joy Set Before Us
Hebrews 12:1b-2 – Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfector 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.
Scripture Reading – Philippians 2:1-11
Joy is an interesting word. It can be used as a noun, a verb, or to describe an emotion. As an emotion it’s sometimes used interchangeably with “happiness.” But generally, happiness is a temporary feeling driven by external events and circumstances. Whereas joy is enduring, coming from a deep-rooted inner state that is not dependent on circumstances. This seems to be the case for the apostle Paul. Despite being imprisoned he uses the words joy or rejoice at least 14 times in his letter to the Philippians.
Paul tells the church to complete his joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord (Philippians 2:2). The author of Hebrews describes Jesus as having the joy that was set before him. It was looking forward to this joy that he endured the cross, despising the shame. What exactly is this joy that Paul and Jesus are looking toward?
The original Hebrew translated as joy might be helpful. It’s the same word, chara, used in both passages. It means “gladness” or “delight.” It stems from the Greek word charis, which means grace, favor, or kindness. Charis carries the meaning of a freely given gift or unmerited favor, and is often associated with generosity shown to someone who hasn’t earned it.
The author or Hebrews seems to be describing Jesus having a joy, chara, set before him, so that he offered unmerited favor and grace, charis, by enduring the cross. The joy he was looking toward came from offering salvation and gathering the lost for eternity. He said as much in Luke 15:7 – I tell you, there will be more joy [chara] in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.
Jesus gave us the ultimate example of humility, selfless ambition, and counting others as more significant than ourselves. We can have an enduring, deep-rooted inner state of joy because of God’s grace. For us, chara is a natural response to the charis given to us. So, let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the founder and perfecter of our faith. May the grace we’ve received and the joy that we have overflow as we share it with others.
Further reading: Psalm 16:11; Habakkuk 3:18-19; Luke 15:1-32; Galatians 5:22-24
Reflection Questions:
1. How does a deep-rooted inner joy help you to have endurance on your spiritual journey?
2. What happens to your endurance if you look to things other than Jesus as you run your spiritual race?
Prayer: Lord, I do rejoice in you, my redeemer. Thank you for your perfect example of humility and enduring the cross. It is a wondrous mystery that you would do this for me, that you would count it joy to offer grace and unwavering hope. Help me to remember my joy always, to keep my focus on you, and to run the race well that you have set before me. Amen.
A playlist of our Sunday morning worship songs can be listened to here.
Comments
Post a Comment