Heaven is the ultimate joy that God sets before every human being. The question is, How much do you want to go to heaven? For the non Christian, the immediate challenge is to give up whatever it is that hinders him from being saved (Mar 10:17-22). The challenge for the Christian lies within maintaining a strong faithful walk throughout his lifetime (2 Cor 5:1-9; Rev 2:10).
Jesus: Our Greatest Example
In speaking about Jesus' determination in the face of great horrors, the author of Hebrews writes...
"...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." (Heb 12:2).
No doubt, the joy that was "set before Him," encouraged Him, provided Him with the perfect amount of courage and strength necessary, to endure the horrific trials surrounding the events of the cross. He certainly took no pleasure in them, yet He welcomed them. You see, even the most terrible thing one could experience at that time (such as the crucifixion) could not compare to the overwhelming happiness and satisfaction of "the joy that was set before Him." (see Jn 14:28; 16:28; 17:4-5).
What We Must Do
As disciples of Jesus, let us therefore, "run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith.." Let us, "Consider Him who endured from sinners such hostility against Himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted." (Heb 12:1-3).
"Who For The Joy That Was Set Before Him..."
Heaven is the ultimate joy that God sets before every human being. The question is, How much do you want to go to heaven? For the non Christian, the immediate challenge is to give up whatever it is that hinders him from being saved (Mar 10:17-22). The challenge for the Christian lies within maintaining a strong faithful walk throughout his lifetime (2 Cor 5:1-9; Rev 2:10).
Jesus: Our Greatest Example
In speaking about Jesus' determination in the face of great horrors, the author of Hebrews writes...
"...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." (Heb 12:2).
No doubt, the joy that was "set before Him," encouraged Him, provided Him with the perfect amount of courage and strength necessary, to endure the horrific trials surrounding the events of the cross. He certainly took no pleasure in them, yet He welcomed them. You see, even the most terrible thing one could experience at that time (such as the crucifixion) could not compare to the overwhelming happiness and satisfaction of "the joy that was set before Him." (see Jn 14:28; 16:28; 17:4-5).
What We Must Do
As disciples of Jesus, let us therefore, "run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith.." Let us, "Consider Him who endured from sinners such hostility against Himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted." (Heb 12:1-3).