Do you believe that? Well you should. Whether you’re saved or not that statement is true. I know it is because the Bible tells me so. Everything Jesus did for us, He did while we were estranged from Him. Every benefit was put in place for us before we even said yes to His invitation. I know you’re bursting with anticipation saying show me! Show me! Lol but you have read it dozens of times and probably didn’t even realize it. Ok, I’ll show you 🙄
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up(unbelief). And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting Him, He endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now He is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Think of all the hostility He endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up.”
Hebrews 12:1-3 NLT
I told you -you read it but missed it. Shocked? We were the joy awaiting Him. He endured the shame of the cross because He knew we would be the fulfillment of His joy by accepting His finished work and receiving His invitation to become His purchased possessions. Isn’t that wonderful? We bring Him joy by becoming His. Hallelujah! Are you shouting yet? Find a mirror and look back at yourself and shout! I am my Savior’s joy!
He had everything to lose, we had everything to gain. He gave up everything so we could lose nothing. We have won the jackpot as it were. Listen to these verses:
“Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.
When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. But God showed His great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.”
Romans 5:1-2, 6-8 NLT
Did you catch that? We were utter messes, but He didn’t let that deter Him, as a matter of fact it propelled Him into action. This is why we should make every attempt to live a life that demonstrates how grateful we are for His sacrifice. Continuing to live the way we used to before salvation is ingratitude. Since He died for us while were still sinners, to bring us to a better life, why would we choose to remain in grave clothes? A new and abundant way has been made for us. We are His joy and delight. He moved heaven on our behalf. The access has been granted, we are welcomed by the Father at anytime, why? The One who calls us His joy, has prepared the way.
As parents we take joy and delight in every new accomplishment of our children. We burst with pride at their firsts. Well, try multiplying that a billion times over. As much joy as they bring us, most of us wouldn’t die for them if they lived in open rebellion, but Jesus did. He saw something in us before we said our first words or took our first step towards Him. The joy of knowing we would be His brought Him to a place of total submission and sacrifice. He willingly surrendered to His Father’s will for us. Wow! When we put ourselves down, or badmouth each other, it hurts Him. We’re His joy, His pleasure and delight.
Choose to believe that no matter what’s going on in your life. When things come against your soul, shout His pleasure. “I am my Savior’s joy.” You’re His joy not because you’re doing everything right, but because He did everything right. Remember everything He did was done while we were mired in sin. This is not a competition, we’re not trying to earn His pleasure. He announced it before He went to the cross. Read what I underlined again. He disregarded the shame of the cross to fulfill the Father’s heart and desire. Bringing mankind back to unbroken fellowship. If you’ve ever experienced reconciliation then you get His heart. There’s no need to live in isolation anymore. Come in from the outside. He calls you His joy. Embrace the truth and reality of it. Listen, it’s more than written words.
By faith see yourself being engulfed in His love. See Him smiling at you with His arms open wide. Now run into His arms. We use our minds for a lot of not so good things. Now use it for good. Let His Word become sight. Our Abba doesn’t walk around with a frown. He laughs and rejoices over us with shouts of joy. Receive His pleasure. Yes! I am the joy that was set before Him.
Father in the Name of Jesus I thank you for giving of Yourself. Thank you for entering into the darkness of my life to shine Your light. Thank you for seeing me as Your joy and for giving me a spirit filled imagination. A place where I can explore You by faith. A place where Your Word comes to life in me. I cast down imaginations that distort the knowledge of who You are, to see Jesus. I stand in awe of your endless love. In Jesus Name. Amen
“So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God.”
Romans 5:11 NLT
Written by permission of the Holy Spirit
W. Tennant