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 KJV
In yesterday’s devotion, we looked at one who is running in a race. We stated that they are focus, they set the pace they want to run, and they remain on the path or the route that is chosen for the race. As believers, we set our eyes on Jesus. We continually look to Jesus, for He is the author and the finisher of our faith.
No one just runs a race. Every runner knows there is a prize to receive if they finish the race. To ensure a runner finishes the race, there are some things they must do. There are times of intense, painful training that a runner must endure. They cannot do the things everyone else is doing. They maintain a specific diet, they exercise and train every day, over and over again. They rise early and are deprived of sleep. It’s a temporary sacrifice in order to win the race. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14 KJV.
We know the Holy Spirit is our coach, and Jesus is the champion. He already ran the race and won. Even Jesus, though He is the Son of God, endured hardship as He ran His race while here on earth. He was misunderstood. He faced opposition by the religious leaders. His life was threatened many times. He was beaten with many stripes, mocked and spat on. The people that He did good to, said ‘crucify Him’. Yet He said not a word. He endured all the humiliation and shame. Jesus knew what was set before Him, the prize that He would receive if He remained focus.
Joy was set before Him. He knew that if He endured to the end, He would be seated at the right hand of the throne of God. He set his focus on the joy that was to come, not on what He was going through at the moment. He did not quit! He did not give in, though it was hard.
We too are to remain focus on Jesus. No matter the hardship, the persecution or the shame, we must endure to the end, and we will receive the prize of eternal life with our Father. I know times of suffering and shame does not feel good, but in the end, there will be joy.
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