Thankful for Easter

“Who for the joy that was set before him, endured the cross . . .” Heb. 12:2

This phrase answers a lot of questions for me. Every Easter when I hear about all the bad things that would happen to Jesus on his trip to the cross, I wonder why he carried through with it. Unlike us, Jesus knew exactly what was going to happen. He knew how painful crucifixion was going to be because he had created the human body. He knew the servants role he would have to take and the awful thanks he would get for his pains because he had long experience with humans and our sin nature. He knew all this, yet he did it anyway. Why? Was it duty?

I can't say I know the answer to this question, or that there is an answer we as humans can even understand, but this passage helps explain some of it. It says that there was a joy set before him, and that's what he was focused on. He didn't go to the cross because he enjoyed it – in fact he prayed for any other way to accomplish God's will. He went to the cross because he believed that God exists and that He rewards those who diligently seek him (Heb. 11:10).

So basic, but crucial to my outlook on life. More than anything, this Easter is reminding me not to look for rewards in the wrong place. Rewards from God are better than anything this world has to offer, but they often involve doing things that are hard and don't make sense. My decision to obey God or not ultimately comes down to whether or not I believe in a God who rewards those who seek Him. I'm thankful for the example of One who humbled himself, came down, devoted his life to this principle, and showed us that it really does work.

Heb. 12:3 “For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.”