For the Joy Set Before Him

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Hebrews 12:1-2 (NKJV)

The best example of motivation can be found in Jesus.

As the verse above states, it was the joy set before Him that motivated Jesus to endure the cross.

We’re talking about the One who existed before Abraham was, the One who was seated at the right hand of the Father, who is eternal in His very makeup. And yet He was motivated to redeem a lost humanity. That motivation was so strong, He carried a cross on His back and was planted between two thieves on a skull-shaped hill. And when He could have, with one thought, made those who were executing Him drop dead on the spot, instead Jesus was so motivated to make sure that you and I could receive the gift of salvation that He died in order that we could live. He suffered so that we could celebrate.

The prophet Isaiah declared, “He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.”

I don't know what motivates you, but can I suggest to you that the best motivation is to surrender your life to Jesus? And I'm not just talking about salvation. I'm talking about consecration and sanctification and trust and confidence. The Bible teaches that He will transform you by the renewing of your mind. He'll conform you to His holy image.

Imitate Jesus. Walk just like Him. Minister just like Him. Pray just like Him. Witness just like Him. If you learn to let your motivations be stirred by following Jesus, He'll make sure that you are shaped to be the person He originally imagined you to be.