Topic: The Joy Set before us [Archbishop Margaret E. Benson Idahosa] Above Only Daily Devotional 24 May 2020

The Joy Set before us

Hebrews 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him, despising the shame, and he set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

2 Timothy 2:5-8 (NIV) But you, keep your heads in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry… I have fought the good fight, .. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day – and … also to all who have longed for his appearing.

Beyond the joy and passion that the revelation of Christ produces in us, another that keeps us going in preaching the gospel tirelessly is the joy that is set before us. This same joy that was set before Jesus and enabled his to endure the cross and despise the shame as He went through all the sufferings and pains He experienced as He died on the cross for the salvation of all men.

This joy must always be fresh in your heart. I am talking about that same joy that fills heaven when a sinner repents, Luke 15:7. I am talking about the joy of seeing both all men and all things reconciled to God. I am talking about the joy of seeing lives that the devil has been using to cause havoc now saved and being used by God to spread the gospel of God’s love in Christ Jesus. I am talking about the joy of seeing people going about business, family, culture, sports, religion, education, media, arts, entertainment, government and politics and every profession and field of life in God’s way. Oh what a joy this will be!

Another dimension of this joy is the great joy of the crown and rewards that Jesus will give to us when He returns. In Revelation 22:12, Jesus said, “And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his word shall be.” I am earnestly looking forward to this reward of Christ and I believe that you are looking forward to it too. As this joy remains fresh in our hearts, no matter what we face, we will be able to say like Apostle Paul, “… none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus to testify of the gospel of the grace of God,” Acts 20:24

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, please fill my heart with that heavenly joy of seeing men saved, seeing all things reconciled to you and the crown that Jesus will give me.

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