For the Joy set before him…

How many people have JOY today?

Do you have JOY when you think about your future, and your eternity?  Do you look forward to eternity?

Hebrews 12 gives a peek into what motivated Jesus to live and die as he did:

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us,  looking to Jesus the pioneer 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.

Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.

What is this joy?  Jesus is looking forward to something – and it’s BIG!

Clues:

1. John 14:  “In my Father’s house are many rooms…I go to prepare a place for you.”
   • Can you imagine how wonderful this place will be, with Jesus himself preparing it?
2. Mark 14:  “I shall not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.”
   • Refreshments!
3. John 16:  “In that day you will ask nothing of me”
   • Why?  Because while being with Jesus, “our hearts will rejoice” – our Joy will be full!
     • Sometimes gifts are given to remind us of the love of someone who is not always with us
4. Matthew 25:  “The kingdom of heaven shall be compared to those who were ready [and] went in with [the bridegroom (Jesus)] to the marriage feast”
   • This is turning into a massive reunion celebration!
   • You can “inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world”
   • WE [followers of Jesus] are the bride of Jesus – he is preparing to celebrate the union with those he loves, and who love him.
     • This is ONE major joy he is looking forward to
       • Imagine being with millions of people who have loved you over the years – many you have never been together with.  And so many of them don’t know each other.  In Jesus’ perspective, he loves every one of us, and SO looks forward to spending time with each one, individually and in groups.  He is thrilled with the diversity of creation, and how each person has formed, and really looks forward to time together!  Imagine all the stories we will share!
5. Revelation 3:  “He who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I myself conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne”
   • Being with His Father is already a joy Jesus is experiencing, but next he gets to see the joy of Father God as he is finally reunited with his creation
     • This is the SECOND (but highest priority) joy Jesus looks forward to – pleasing the heart of His Father.

Each day, we can consider this JOY Jesus looks forward to, and experience that joy as we make daily decisions with a goal of pleasing God.