“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).

Joy (Gr): Chara from Chairo: Cheer, Wellbeing, Calm Delight

There are mysteries in the things of God that need to be revealed to us as we grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ Jesus. The joy of the Lord is one of those themes that we can explore with delight as though we were searching for hidden treasure.

The Holy Spirit has many things to reveal to us as our hearts are open to receive. Jesus said to His disciples:

“These things have I spoken unto you that My joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full (John 15:11).

The cheerful, calmly delightful wellbeing of the nature of Jesus is the joy of the Lord that Jesus said He wants to remain in us. As it does, Jesus says our joy will expand to the maximum fullness of it.

There is a reason Jesus wants us to know His joy and that reason has to do with suffering. Suffering will come to all of us, as it did with Him. But the Scripture says that with the joy set before Him, He was able to endure the cruel cross with all the shame. With the joy set before Him He was able to push through the horrific abuse and persevere to the very end.

The Apostle knew of this joy, so, when the prophets spoke of all the troubles that he would have to endure, Paul declared:

“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 the Gospel of the Grace of God” (Acts 20:24).

The Joy of the Lord is your strength. In the writing of Nehemiah we read:

“He said to them, ‘Go your way, eat the fat and drink the sweet; send portions to them for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy unto our Lord, neither be sorry, for the joy of the Lord is your strength'” (Nehemiah 8:10).

The cheerful, calmly delightful wellbeing of the nature of Jesus is our strength. Strength to endure, strength to persevere, strength to carry on with our purpose, our assignment, our role in the Body of Christ. Jesus came for a purpose, to be the Savior of the world. Jesus saw beforehand the fruit of His mission, the salvation of souls from every tribe, kindred and tongue. He saw the Redeemed of the earth gathered at the throne of God worshipping the Father. Seeing the fruit of His purpose produced great joy to our Lord and for that joy He endured, He triumphed to reign as He is set down at the right hand of the Father on the Majesty from on High.

Oh, what joy, indeed, for all those who have received and have the joy of the Lord remaining in them; and truly our joy will be full. Let us continually keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, “the author and finisher of our faith” and let us march on to victory.

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