For the Joy

For the Joy

“For the Joy Set Before Him”

During communion, I asked God for new revelation of the cross, Christ’s sacrifice of His body.

Instantly, I was taken to the wilderness to the Old Testament tabernacle. Jesus held my hand taking me swiftly through the camp. This tabernacle had neither curtains nor walls. We went, hand in hand, past the unused brazen altar, the laver, the golden lampstand, the showbread, and the altar of incense . . . right into the Most Holy Place.

Just as we were about to enter, Jesus let go of my hand! Fear and panic gripped me. How could I, stained by the filth of my humanity, enter here? Instantly, I was lost in God’s glory. I had neither identity nor form. I was not only in the Presence of God, but consumed by Him. Lost in Him! It was where I belonged.

I looked over to Jesus. Joy, incomparable joy, filled Him. “For the joy set before Him He endured the cross despising its shame . . .” (Heb 12:2) Though there are many reasons Christ dies, His ultimate joy was to unite us, making us one with the Father.

My clothes were transformed into a glorious robe and in my hand was a sword of both gold and silver. “So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.” (Heb 4:16).

We come to God through the grace of the finished work of the cross, holding the hand of Christ in faith, obtaining a double portion to receive mercy and find grace.

The cross — the place of mercy and grace!