Day 17

Hebrews 12: 1-3

12 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, ² fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. ³ Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

“What was the joy that Jesus had? Joy should not be confused with happiness. In fact, it is an insult to Jesus Christ to use the word happiness in connection with Him. The joy of Jesus was His absolute self-surrender and self-sacrifice to His Father— the joy of doing that which the Father sent Him to do— “. . . who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross . . .” (Hebrews 12:2). “I delight to do Your will, O my God . . .” (Psalm 40:8). Jesus prayed that our joy might continue fulfilling itself until it becomes the same joy as His. Have I allowed Jesus Christ to introduce His joy to me?” Oswald Chamber, My Utmost For His Highest, My Joy…Your Joy, August 13. http://utmost.org/my-joy-your-joy/

Application:

Jesus’ joy came from doing the will of our Father and he wants us to experience that same joy. Think back to at least 3 times in your life when you handled a challenge, trial, or major frustration in a manner that was not joyful. You may not have been joyful at the time, but it is never too late to respond with joy for what God has taught you and brought you through. Take some time right now to find a verse about having joy in Christ or God, read the verse aloud as a prayer of thankfulness to God for the joy that He has given you. May the joy of the LORD remain with you always!