“We keep our eyes fixed on Jesus—the founder and perfecter of our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, despising and disregarding its shame, and is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2
Lord Jesus, on the “calendar of grace,” we call today “Good Friday” That you had to die for us isn’t at all “good.” That you were glad to do so is quintessential “goodness,” generosity beyond measure, and “glorious” without equal. No one could take your life from you—not an angry mob, not a legion of demons, not a conspiracy of mere men.
You knowingly, freely, painfully laid down your life for us. Not as a brave martyr to be remembered, but as God’s Lamb to be worshipped. Everything you endured, Jesus, you endured for us. How do we wrap our heads and hearts around all this, Lord?
You disregarded the shame of the cross because you regarded us above yourself (Phil. 2:1-11). You “over-paid” the cost of our redemption so that your cry, “It is finished” would be more glorious and trustworthy than we can imagine. Our knees buckle and our hands go up…
Silencing and astonishing us, you took our full judgment then gave us your perfect righteousness. The incomparable trauma of your temporary “forsakenness” (Psalm 22) secured the inexhaustible wonders of our forever “belovedness” (Zeph. 3:14-17).
So what joy awaited you on the other side of the cross, Jesus? So much joy—so very much joy: Beginning with emptying your tomb, killing death, and occupying your throne. Reuniting with your Father and having us—(yes, actually you and me), as your cherished Bride. The great joy of a crushed devil, eradicated evil, coming kingdom, wiped tears, all-things-new, and everything beautiful.
Jesus, and to think, ponder, and receive… you now pray that we will have the full measure of your joy in us (John 17:13). We are totally undone, and we are gratefully yours. So Very Amen.