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After reading Hebrews 11, which is often called the faith chapter due to all of the testimonies of the faithful ones who had gone before, we come to chapter 12 beginning with 'therefore', remember that when we see that word at the beginning Mrs. Susan Williams taught us to go back and see what it is 'there for'! So since we know so many people have stood strong in the Lord, trusting Him to bring them through so many trials and tribulations to honor His Word and save them one way or another; we know we must do likewise. We must stand firm in the power of His might, in the direction of the Holy Spirit guiding us and the love of God enveloping us in our lives daily. All of this preludes the joy of the Lord in our heart. All of those people could do it with what they went through, and then Jesus! Wow, He suffered such great pains and, well think about it, God Himself being treated that way? When He could have snuffed out those cruel men whipping Him, He just took it.
When He could have said one word and the angels would have come and defended Him, but he did not. Why? Read below.
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. 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. After all, you have not yet given your lives in your struggle against sin. Hebrews 12:1-4
Okay so today I cried over this verse. Yes i have read it before, but today as we focus on Joy, I realized the order of things. Jesus suffered all that He did because He knew the joy that was waiting for Him. I wondered, as I read it that joy is what He gives us or if it is the joy He gets when one sinner comes home? I mean accepts and believes in the Lord Jesus' Christ and is saved!
So what can we do to give Him more joy for all that He went through for us? After all He suffered our sins, the punishments, the harm... so we would not have to be punished for what we did. He took on our pain so we would not have to suffer so much as He did for us. So much! He did so much for us in His suffering that I cannot even explain the emotions that came from that realization once again.
What can we do? Read below!
Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord. Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many. Make sure that no one is immoral or godless like Esau, who traded his birthright as the firstborn son for a single meal. You know that afterward, when he wanted his father’s blessing, he was rejected. It was too late for repentance, even though he begged with bitter tears... Hebrews 12:14-17
Get over ourselves.
We can work to live at peace with others, even if it means we have to do what we don't want to do. We can get over ourselves and do what God wants us to do instead, and be kind to one another, love one another and put aside our grievances and hurts. God went through so much just for us to not to have to suffer, can we not put aside our egos and pride for a moment this Holiday season and forgive one another? Jesus wiped our slate clean from sins, so why not do the same for those who have harmed you emotionally or physically. That does not mean you put yourself back into harms way but it means you allow the Holy Spirit to heal you. Let it go.
Jesus already has.
So, maybe trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not in your own understanding from Proverbs 3:5-6 applies here too!
Thank Jesus for standing in the gap for us when He suffered the pain and suffering of the cross. Then go and be at peace with others. In Jesus' name!
Heavenly Father, help us to live at peace with everyone help us to live how you did, forgiving, loving and accepting the Joy you gave us on the cross! Thank you for all you did, and all you do, In Jesus' name