Thursday, November 29, 2012
Hebrews 12:2 Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of throne of God.
FOCUS ON JESUS
As we run our race of faith, we are told to focus on Jesus who had His own, far more difficult race to run. Who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of God. Throughout His life and His ministry, Jesus had black clouds on the horizon because of His impending suffering and death. He brought this up again and again in His ministry. His purpose was not merely to heal and teach, but to destroy the works of the devil.
He knew that the cross was coming. It was on the cross that He would suffer deeply at the hand of His own Father -- enduring for sinners no less than the punishment of hell. On this cross He would have the shame of being put to death as a criminal and enemy of the state -- and as an enemy of His Father. He was rejected, labeled, and punished as the worst sinner of all time in order to save true sinners like you and me. All of that He could and would endure because of the joy that was set before Him.
The joy coming out of it was not only taking up again His rightful place at the right hand of God, but it was the joy of saving us. He endured the cross and shame in our place. From that right hand of power He would come again in judgment and rescue, taking His flock to be with Him in heaven. He knew what was on the other side of suffering and death, and that joy led Him to complete His race.
So then look unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. Jesus wishes to bring to completion what He has begun in you. He is the One who put you in the race by sending the Holy Spirit into your heart to create faith. He is the One who empowers you with His love. Jesus picks you up when you're down. He gives you tough love when you need it to regain your focus. He gives you the necessary training so that you have the endurance needed to finish. He keeps the devil from tempting you beyond what you are able to bear.
