"...let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder 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." - Hebrews 12:1-3
A few years ago men were wearing a bracelet that just said, “WWJD.” It was short for “What Would Jesus Do?” It was sort of a fad there for a while; you don’t see many of those any more. But it was simply a way of reminding us of the instruction in this verse.
Christians have been guided by this instruction for two thousand years. What would Jesus do in this situation that I face? The verse answers the question: “for the joy that was set before Him, He endured the cross, despising the shame...”
He accepted crucifixion. He didn’t consider it important that He keep His dignity and His life; He bore the cross, because He could see beyond it. He could see you and me; forgiven, saved, delivered, and gathered to Him in heaven, and He considered that that was worth whatever it cost, “for the joy that was set before Him.”
Is it worth it to you, to know that as you follow Jesus to the cross, you will see the results of a faithful life at the end? To know that those who are watching you live will be attracted to Jesus because of what they see in you?
Lord, let it be so! Let me see the fruit of a life of following You. I long to see that, Lord Jesus. Keep me close. Amen.
Pastor Dan Giles