When He has the choice and freedom to leave?
“…let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 1b-2
“for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10
Does my definition of joy contain the verb strengthening? Jesus’ does. Nehemiah’s did.
How can I redefine joy in my life? If joy is my strength, does it make following Jesus while carrying my own cross any easier, perhaps lighter? or does it just make it all worth it? Jesus lived the latter and spoke against the former.
“If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.” Matthew 16:24
Easter reminds me that I have a lot of quit in me. When times get tough I start looking for the exit. Satan tempted Jesus with the exit and Jesus slammed the door in his face. This Easter I want Jesus’ joy to be the defining factor of my strength.
The joy on the other side of the grave was irresistible to our Heavenly Father’s heart. His kids’ eternity was on the line. The joy on the other side of the cross was irrefutable to our Holy King’s perfect justice. His Kingdom swayed in its balance.
It is finished. Case closed. Joy unleashed, for you.
jena meyerpeter 