“For the joy set before him…”

In chapter 2 of Paul’s letter to the Philippians, he explains joy’s source. Joy is not found in happiness, pleasure or fun. Joy comes from a forward focus upon tasks that produce long term blessings, both for self and others. We see this all around us. We make our kids do certain things (even when they do not want to) knowing the results for them will be beneficial. We do this with employees or fellow workers. We instruct or ask to have things done a certain way knowing the best results. Many times, in all these circumstances, we do not explain our reasoning, only that the work is done in the manner instructed.

As Paul explains in Philippians 2, Jesus becomes the supreme example of joy due to that forward focus. In Hebrews 12:2 this same idea is expressed, “…who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”

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