April 13–For the Joy Set Before Him

It’s the weekend! And we are only a couple of weeks away from Easter, the greatest holiday on the Christian’s calendar—the day we celebrate the resurrection, without which we have no hope. The day that Jesus became the perfecter of our faith. The writer of Hebrews tells us that He endured the cross and shame for the joy set before Him. 


“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, 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. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Hebrews‬ ‭12:1-3‬ ‭NIV‬‬


When we read about Jesus’ ministry, it’s pretty obvious that He just loved people. He loved His disciples, He loved His friends, He loved sinners, and children and harlots, and the sick and the lame and the downtrodden and everyone he came into contact with. He even loved the Roman soldiers who would crucify Him. 


He especially loved one family who was always welcoming and with whom he’d cried the day he raised Lazarus from the dead. One member of the family, Mary, could always be found at His feet. She was the one person that seemed to understand what Jesus had been telling all the followers—that he was going to die. 


Six days before Passover and the night before Jesus entered Jerusalem, Jesus and the family had just finished dinner. Mary, at Jesus’ feet (her usual place) took an alabaster box (probably a family heirloom, worth more than a year’s wages) and began to prepare His body for burial. She had been listening. So unlike the others, she had heard what her Master had said. 


Sometimes I wonder how well we listen when we read the words of the Savior. How well do we listen when He speaks to us in that still small voice? Maybe if we fix our eyes on Him, throw off every weight of sin, and listen, really listen to the Perfecter of our faith, we might hear Him just a little more clearly and in response, follow Him more nearly. 


Jesus, Perfecter and Pioneer of our faith, thank you for walking the Via Dolorosa for us. We pray you would teach us to listen to you as Mary did, Lord, to really hear what you have to say to us and not just what we want to hear. We want to sit at your feet and hear you Lord. Help us to keep running our race with perseverance with our eyes on you. We praise you, Lamb of Glory, Lion of Judah, Holy One, you are the King of who we are. Amen and amen. 


Love you dear friend,

Pam

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