“Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the Joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” ~ Hebrews 12: 2

How many of us have ever witnessed a crucifixion?
Most of us would say no—after all, it’s not something that happens in our generation.
But through the descriptions in Scripture, and depictions in films like The Passion of the Christ, we’re given a glimpse into what crucifixion really looked like.

And we would all agree—it is a gruesome, brutal experience that no one should ever have to endure.

Yet Scripture tells us that Jesus endured the cross because of the joy set before Him (Hebrews 12:2).
He saw beyond the pain, beyond the agony, beyond the humiliation.
He focused on the reward—on what His suffering would accomplish:
the restoration of you and me to the Father.

That alone was enough to fill His heart with joy.
That was enough to make Him endure the pain, the torture, and the horror of the Cross.

And now, with Jesus as our perfect example, we are called to follow in His steps.
We are invited to learn from Him how to carry our own crosses—whatever challenges or trials we may be facing.

We fix our gaze, not on the suffering, but on the joy set before us.;

* The joy of knowing Christ is with us—walking beside us, even carrying our cross with us.

* The joy of knowing that a crown of glory awaits us at the end of the journey.

* The joy of knowing that our cross will not crush us, but will make us stronger, wiser, and more like Christ.

* The joy of trusting that beyond every earthly cross, a greater plan, purpose, and eternal glory await us in Heaven.

And ultimately, Christ Himself is our Joy.
With that assurance, we are strengthened and empowered to face every trial, every cross—because we know the end will be glorious.

Prayer: Lord, please help me fix my gaze on you, on the joy that you give and not the cross in my life.