The Joy Set Before HIM!
The CHRIST Culture Blog | December, 2020 | Rev. Dr. Carole Hulslander
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, 2 fixing our eyes on YESHUA, 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 ELOHIM.
Hebrew 12:1-2
During this Christmas season I would like to ask the question- just what was the “joy set before HIM? This joy -- that would motivate HIM to leave HIS glorious seat as the creator ELOHIM (GOD) to be poured into human flesh?
In Scripture we find the first joy for YESHUA HA MASHIACH (JESUS the CHRIST) was to do the will of ha AVI (the Father). ELOHIM’s MASHIACH (GOD’s CHRIST) would bring the very image of the invisible ELOHIM in this firstborn of all creation to the earth (Colossians 1:15) and HE delights in doing HIS will (Psalms 40:8).
The second “joy” revealed was YESHUA MASHIACH’s teaching that would bring to us an understanding of how we should live out the will of AVI. HE taught us to love ELOHIM first and others as YESHUA loved us! (John 13:34-35)
The third “joy” is revealed in Romans 5:8 - But ELOHIM demonstrates HIS own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, MASHIACH died for us.
The joy set before HIM -- was our redemption. Our becoming new, our becoming HIS children, our eternal life!
We are the joy set before HIM, and for you and me HE endures!
During this Christmas season, as we think about the joy set before us, maybe we could better define this joy in our lives if we could identify our joy by HIS.
This is CHRIST Culture!