...who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2.
An expectation of glory douses the present ferocity of tribulation. This was the strength of the early church, they set their eyes on the coming glory, therefore, they were able to withstand the persecution of the enemy. But this was not apart from the strength provided by the Holy Spirit. Christ was for them, not just a succour for their immediate challenges, He was more than that, He was their hope of glory. Christ in them was their hope for glory.
Christ is our perfect example of beholding the glory for strength. Of Him it is written, "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:2. Jesus saw something that helped Him to endure the pain and despise the shame: it was the joy that was set before Him. There must be something that we see in the future that will make possible enduring the present pain; as we said, for Jesus, it was the joy that was set before Him, and for us, it is the glory that is set before us. What glory? The glory of the resurrected life that God has prepared for all who love Him.
Christ is our perfect example of beholding the glory for strength. Of Him it is written, "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:2. Jesus saw something that helped Him to endure the pain and despise the shame: it was the joy that was set before Him. There must be something that we see in the future that will make possible enduring the present pain; as we said, for Jesus, it was the joy that was set before Him, and for us, it is the glory that is set before us. What glory? The glory of the resurrected life that God has prepared for all who love Him.
If we discount of this hope of glory, there will be nothing in following Christ that will make it different from all other religions. Our hope is far beyond here, it is a hope of sharing all eternity with Jesus Christ. What a glorious hope!
Toni
