Joy Sees the Big Picture
Advent Week Three, Day Five
Hebrews 12:1-3

Focus: “...Jesus, who for the joy that was set before him, endured the cross...”

Have you ever trained for a race? It’s hard work. An athlete-in-training rises early to endure physical hardship and stress, often risking injury in an attempt to earn the prize. A prize that’s temporary—a crown or a medal.

Unlike those believers mentioned in Hebrews 11, we have the great blessing of being able to look back and see the life and death of Christ for encouragement. In fact, the author of Hebrews tells us in verse 2 to look to Jesus, “who for the JOY set before him endured the cross …”

What was joyful about the cross?

Nothing. The cross is suffering, anguish and torture, but for Jesus, and this is the ultimate agony of the cross, it meant separation from the Father. Jesus endured it all because the prize was much greater—returning to heaven and sitting at the right hand of God.

The author of Hebrews reminds us that life on earth is more like a marathon and less like a sprint. It’s a long, hard race, but we must finish STRONG! Run with JOY! Your prize is so much greater than anything physical. It’s hearing your Father say, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”

You are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses—our older brothers and sisters in Christ who’ve finished the race before us. When you enter the arena for the final lap, they’ll be cheering you on.