For the Joy that Lay before Him
WAYNE JACKSON
The
eleventh chapter of Hebrews is said to be God’s “hall of faith.” Thrillingly,
it chronicles a variety of marvelous examples of Old Testament faithful
obedience, which are intended to encourage us in our Christian lives.
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With reference to this matter, the author declares:
“Therefore let us also, seeing we are compassed about with
so great a cloud of witnesses, lay aside every weight, and the sin which so
easily besets us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
looking to Jesus the author and finisher of the faith, who for the joy that was
set before him endured the cross, despising shame, and hath sat down at the
right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews
12:1-2).
There
are so many rich truths here tucked away that it is scarcely possible to
consider them all in a brief article. Let us, though, mention a few matters.
We Are
Compassed About
The
heroes of the Old Testament are said to represent a “great cloud of witnesses” which, almost stadium-like, surrounds
us. This does not affirm, as some surmise, that our deceased spiritual kinsmen
literally
are looking down, observing our present activity (Ecclesiastes 9:5-6).
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Rather, it merely suggests that their abiding examples of faithful endurance
are like a cheering crowd, urging us toward victory.
Lay
Aside Every Weight
Like
the ancient runner who was compelled to shed every hindrance, the child of God is
to lay aside every distraction, especially “the
sin” which so easily besets (encompasses).
The definite article seems to
suggest a certain sin. While some would see this “besetting sin” as any weakness to which one might be especially
vulnerable (e.g., drunkenness or temper), more likely — consistent with
contextual considerations — the expression denotes the sin of unbelief. Earlier
the writer had emphasized: “Take heed,
brothers, lest haply there shall be in any one of you an evil heart of
unbelief, in falling away from the living God” (Hebrews 3:12).
“The sin”
was “apostasy from Christ.”
Let Us Run
The
inspired writer urges that we are to keep running (the verb is a present tense form,
denoting continuous activity) the race that is before us.
With reference to this matter, the author declares:
“Therefore let us also, seeing we are compassed about with
so great a cloud of witnesses, lay aside every weight, and the sin which so
easily besets us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
looking to Jesus the author and finisher of the faith, who for the joy that was
set before him endured the cross, despising shame, and hath sat down at the
right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews
12:1-2).
As we
run, we are to be “looking unto Jesus.”
“Looking” reflects a present tense participle form, and the original term
suggests turning “the eyes away from
other things” and fixing them on something else. Obtaining the goal of
heaven requires the utmost concentration; a haphazard disposition is not
conducive to eternal salvation.
The
Author and Finisher of the Faith
Christ
is said to be the “author and finisher of
the faith.”
Here
the expression denotes the fact that Jesus is the source (the originator) and
consummator of “the faith,” the
gospel (Galatians 1:23; 1 Timothy 5:8; Jude 3).
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No person has a right, therefore, to add to, subtract from, or to modify the New Testament body of doctrine.
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No person has a right, therefore, to add to, subtract from, or to modify the New Testament body of doctrine.
For
the Joy that Was Set before Him
The
most enigmatic portion of this verse is the affirmation that Christ endured the
cross “for the joy” that lay before
him.
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A key word is the preposition “for.” The Greek word is "anti," which has several possible meanings. It commonly connotes “instead of.”
.
A key word is the preposition “for.” The Greek word is "anti," which has several possible meanings. It commonly connotes “instead of.”
This
would suggest that Jesus chose to come to earth and endure the agonies of
Calvary instead of continuing in his pre-incarnate heavenly state. It would
emphasize the great sacrifice he made (2 Corinthians 8:9).
Jesus came to earth ‘instead of’ the joy of continued fellowship in God’s immediate presence.”
Jesus came to earth ‘instead of’ the joy of continued fellowship in God’s immediate presence.”
On the
other hand, "anti" can mean “in exchange
for,” in the sense of “to obtain.” If this is the significance of the term here,
then the meaning would be that the Lord willingly endured the shame of the
cross in anticipation of the joy of effecting redemption for Adam’s fallen
family.
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He looked right through the Cross to the coming joy, the joy of bringing salvation to those he loves. Jesus is portrayed as the model for the saints who long for the prize which is yet in their future.
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He looked right through the Cross to the coming joy, the joy of bringing salvation to those he loves. Jesus is portrayed as the model for the saints who long for the prize which is yet in their future.
Can we
fathom the depth of love that Jesus Christ had for lost humanity? The horrors
of Golgotha paled into insignificance when the Savior contemplated the
refreshing salvation that would be available for all who choose to obey him
(Heb. 5:9). This is absolutely astounding. How utterly selfish our own level of
dedication appears by comparison.
He
Endured the Cross
On
account of his incomparable love, Christ “endured”
the cross. The word is interesting. It derives from hupomeno. "Meno" basically
means to “abide, remain,” while "hupo" (under) is a preposition attached as a
prefix to strengthen the term.
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The idea suggested is to “bear up under.” It hints of the magnificent courage of the Lord as he hung suspended from the cross for six hours. For a consideration of what was involved in a crucifixion.
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The idea suggested is to “bear up under.” It hints of the magnificent courage of the Lord as he hung suspended from the cross for six hours. For a consideration of what was involved in a crucifixion.
Despising
Shame
Additionally,
the inspired writer affirms that the Savior “despised”
the “shame” connected with the cross.
It was not merely the prospect of physical death that so repelled the Lord.
Rather, it was the association of the cross with sin. His holy soul recoiled at
the idea of being involved with the shame of man’s rebellion against God.
In
Galatians 3:10-13 Paul discusses the “curse”
that was associated with Jesus’ death on the cross. “Curse” hints of the fitting doom of which sin is deserving.
The
disgrace of the cross is clearly stressed by Paul in Philippians 2:8. Filthy
human beings can hardly appreciate the magnitude of this matter; we can only
express our profound gratitude and humbly submit to his holy will.
Hath
Sat Down
Also, observe that Jesus has achieved the “throne”
already; it is not a future hope.
This
passage thus sets forth the wonderful example of Christ. May we ever follow in
his path.
Would you want to have a
deeper relationship with God?
God has made it possible for you to know Him and experience an amazing change in your own
life through a relationship with His Son, Jesus Christ, and have eternal life.
Say the following prayer:
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“Father God, I confess I am a sinner
and my sins have separated me from You.
I am truly sorry. I now want to turn
away from my past sinful life and live a new life pleasing to You.
Please forgive me, and help me avoid
sinning again.
I believe that Your son, Jesus Christ
died for my sins, was resurrected from the dead, is alive, and hears my prayer.
I invite Jesus to become the Lord of
my life, to rule and reign in my heart from this day forward. Thank You that
according to Your Word, I am now born again.
Please send your Holy Spirit to help
me obey You, and to do Your will for the rest of my life. I promise to study
Your Word – the Bible.
Use me for Your glory.
In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen.”
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A Word of Hope for Your Darkest Days
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CLICK HERE
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God Wants You To Be an Overcomer, not a Casualty
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CLICK HERE . . .
http://puricarefiles.blogspot.com/2016/05/god-wants-you-to-be-overcomer-not.html
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http://puricarefiles.blogspot.com/2016/05/god-wants-you-to-be-overcomer-not.html
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No Detour Through Pain.
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CLICK HERE . . .
http://puricarefiles.blogspot.com/2016/05/no-detour-through-pain-joni-eareckson.html.
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“At The Cross”
REUBEN MORGAN, DARLENE JOYCE ZSCHECH
lyrics
Oh Lord You've searched meYou know my way
You fail with my failure
I know You love me
Your holy presence
Surrounded me
In every season
I know You love me
I know You love me
Surrounded me
In every season
I know You love me
I know You love me
At the cross I bow my knees
Where Your blood was shed for me
There's no greater love than this
Where Your blood was shed for me
There's no greater love than this
You have overcome the graveGlory fills the highest praise
What can separate me now
You go before me
You shield my way
Your hand upholds me
And I know You love me
You shield my way
Your hand upholds me
And I know You love me
At the cross I bow my knee
Where Your blood was shed for me
There's no greater love than this
Where Your blood was shed for me
There's no greater love than this
You have overcome the graveYour glory fills the highest praise
What can separate me now
At the cross I bow my knee
Where Your blood was shed for me
There's no greater love than this, no
Where Your blood was shed for me
There's no greater love than this, no
You have overcome the grave
Glory fills the highest praise
What can separate me now
Glory fills the highest praise
What can separate me now
You taught a way, You made a wayWhen You said that it is done
You taught a way, You made a way
When You said that it is done
And when the earth fails
Falls from my eyes
And You stand before me
I know You love me
Oh, I know You love me
Falls from my eyes
And You stand before me
I know You love me
Oh, I know You love me
At the cross I bow my kneeWhere Your blood was shed for me
There's no greater love than this, no
You have overcome the grave
Glory fills the highest praise
What can separate me now
Glory fills the highest praise
What can separate me now
At the cross I bow my knee
Where Your blood was shed for me
There's no greater love than this, no
Where Your blood was shed for me
There's no greater love than this, no
You have overcome the graveGlory fills the highest praise
What can separate me now
You taught a way, You made a way
When You said that it is done
You taught a way, You made a way
When You said that it is done
You taught a way, You made a way
When You said that it is done
You taught a way, You made a way
When You said that it is done
When You said that it is done
You taught a way, You made a way
When You said that it is done
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